Setting aside ANOTHER 19 minutes to complete ANOTHER awesome challenge! We do this in order to grow together as a community and build habits that are going to keep us moving forward towards our ultimate goals! Today Michelle Esquivel has created a really complete challenge for us that consists of footwork, balance, and whole body strengthening (arms). This one only requires two lines about 5 feet apart and the lines are parallel. The lines are approximately 10 feet long.
2. Why it works
Remember your brain is hardwired to function within routine and habits. Try to do your drills at the same time in your routine! As you continue to do your drills at the same time you will start to recognize that your brain starts to like it. Much like previous pros we are really getting into similar reasons of why they work. I love the quick feet workout with some explosiveness on Michelle’s workouts. I also love the jump and balance. It’s crazy how many times I try to split step only to lose my balance.
3. How it relates to pickleball
As is true with all our pros, footwork, strength and upper body strength are all things that we need in order to progress in this sport. I love the combination of jumping and balancing. If we are off balance we are not able to control what our arms are doing.
4. Outline & Demonstration
Activities
(3 times-up and back counts as one) Two Up Two Back Side Step, Hop Forward, Step Back
(3 times -up and back counts as one) Balance Side Jumps-Advanced progression jump backward to the start point
(3 times -up and back counts as one) Walking plank with push ups-Beginner 1 push up, intermediate 3-5 push ups, advanced 6-10 push ups
Repeat All Exercises 3 times
Activity Modifications:
(Special thanks to @betterpickleball for providing these alternate exercises for those in need – see (insert post here) illustrating a Walking Plank modification)
Two Up Two Back Side Step ➞ Hop step forward, side-shuffle backward
Balance Side Jumps ➞ Narrow the jump to approximately shoulder width
Walking plank with push ups
➞ Intermediate-High Plank on knuckles or a set of dumbbells and extend one leg to the side then repeat with the other leg
➞ Beginner-Chest Press for the upper body and an elbow plank for the core
5. Go & Do - Return & Report
Review how this fits in your day, ALWAYS! Sometimes it takes multiple times of your routine to find out what you are willing to do consistently. Now, reply to this post and put your proof you completed the challenge! This is a GREAT video challenge for all of us to do that will help us improve our lives and ultimately work together towards a greater goal!
fwew @Michelle bringing it strong with this one. Total body for sure my core is screaming from those plank walks! Thanks for sending this over and thanks to my daughter for the Camera work!
Joe and Kolby are killing it!! Way to to guys! I mentioned an oath from a book called “The Way of Kings”. One of the parts of this oath is “Journey before destination.” Guys remember, it’s about the journey of where we are going. It’s rarely about when we get there.
Thanks @Michelle for these challenges. I added some visualization to the one legged jumps. The balance that was required after jumping was so awesome and I will definitely add this to my list of awesome drills for when this is over!
I chose to do my 19 day challenge workout early today. Even with my strained QL muscle, I was able to do all three exercises. I had to modify by not jumping as far is all. And I had to do them a little slower just to be sure, so it took me longer than 19 minutes. Thanks for the great workout, Michelle!
Workout complete. A little later than I wanted but done nonetheless. Thank you @Michelle! Your positive attitude is infectious. I needed some positive attitude during plank walkers.
Oh… my… goodness… I am DYING. The first two leg workouts, no sweat, but that plank walk + push-up… THREE TIMES!!’ Anyone else out there all leg with zero arm strength or is it just me? Thanks @Michelle for kicking my butt today!
