Train like Lara Croft - Tomb Raider inspired workout

When it comes to functional fitness, Tomb Raider's Lara Croft is winning the game. She may be a video character but she can pull, push, and jump her way through any situation. 

We've created a Tomb Raider inspired circuit workout that will take your fitness up a notch, and ensure you're prepared for any action-packed tombs heading your way!

This is a 20-minute intense, full body circuit that will get your heart rate up, build total body strength, and help you burn more calories. 

Before you start, make sure to warm up by spending 5-10 minutes doing light cardio and dynamic stretches. This will get the blood flowing to your muscles and raise your body temperature, meaning your body is warm and ready to go. Warming up also helps to reduce the risk of injuries. Check out our ultimate guide to warm up exercises here.

Tomb Raider inspired 30-minute circuit workout

Once you're nice and warm, set a timer for 20 minutes and then perform each exercise consecutively. Once all the exercises are complete, rest for 30 seconds then repeat. Complete the circuit as many times as you can in the 20 minutes. Choose the reps based on your fitness level (e.g. 10 if you're a beginner, 15 if you're fairly fit).

 

1. 10 - 15 Burpees

Burpees are great for building strength in your arms, quads, hamstrings, glutes, abs and chest, as well as working your cardio system and improving your balance and mobility.

How to do a burpee: Squat down, jump your feet back into the plank position, perform a push-up and jump your feet back towards your hands, then jump into the air with your arms pointing towards the ceiling.

Tip: Try to keep your your core tight throughout the whole movement.

2. 10-15 Push Ups

Push ups are a bodyweight strength exercise that work your deltoids, pecs, abs, obliques, and quads. 

How to do a push-up: Place your hands flat on the floor, shoulder width apart and stand on tiptoes in the plank position. Lower yourself until your chest touches the floor, then push up. 

Tip: If you struggle with standard push ups, try a modified push up instead.

3. 10-15 High Knees 

High knees are great for your calves, quads, glutes, hip flexors, as well as improving your balance and stability. 

How to do high knees: jog on the spot alternating from foot to foot and bring each knee up high towards your belly button. One rep is both feet!

Tip: Try to be quick and light on your toes. 

4. 10-15 Medicine Ball Slams

Medicine ball slams are a full body, explosive exercise that builds strength in your upper body, lower body, and core, and gets your heart racing. 

How to do a medicine ball slam: With your feet shoulder-width apart, pick up your medicine ball with your hands on the sides and lift towards your chest. Squat down. Straighten your legs and extend your arms overhead to lift the medicine ball towards the ceiling. Slam the medicine ball onto the floor using your arm strength.

Tip: Keep your core tight throughout the whole movement.

5. 10-15 Jump squats

Jump squats strengthen your quads, core, calves, hamstrings, and glutes, and can help to build power, speed, and endurance.

How to do a jump squat: With your feet shoulder-width apart, squat down so your thighs are parallel to the ground, then quickly jump as high as you can.  

Tip: To to keep your chest proud the whole time.

This is supposed to be a challenging workout so try to work as hard as you can. But if you get out of breath and need to stop at any point, don't worry - just take a break. Once you get your breath back, continue your workout.

Once you've completed the workout, don't forget to cool down with some static stretches targeting all body parts as you will have worked your full body in this circuit. 

You can find more workout inspiration in our workouts for women hub here, or download the free PureGym App for access to more free workouts!