We are all about our serious, heart-pumping workouts here at Well+Being, but we also love to inject a healthy dose of fun and whimsy into our calorie-burning sessions every now and then. So when we found this Harry Potter workout on Pinterest just in time for this weekend’s ABC Family HP movie marathon, we knew we had to try it.
We checked in with Mint trainer John Morris to see if there are more benefits to this movie-themed workout than just fun, and were pleased to receive his nod of approval.
How to Perform the Workout
Choose your favorite Harry Potter movie (we chose Goblet of Fire) and then read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with the movie “cues” you should be listening for. Each time you hear one of the cues, you perform the exercise listed. For example, every time Ron says “Bloody hell,” you will do ten butt busters, a move performed on all fours with palms flat and one leg lifted behind you at a right angle, moving towards the ceiling to work your glute muscles.
“I recommend circuit training, where [you] perform each exercise with no more than 20 seconds of rest between sets—less rest for more conditioned people—and repeat for two to three sets,” says Morris.
How to Cater the Workout to You
Though the “cue and reaction” format of the workout won’t allow for max calories burned, you will still get your exercise in, and there are many modifications available for more advanced fitness enthusiasts. Morris recommended trying walking lunges, rather than stationary, for an increased heart rate and caloric burn.
He would also add planks—“two sets of 30 to 60 seconds, as the workout offers very little in terms of core development, beyond crunches and bicycles.”
The Verdict
“Overall, this is a great total-body workout and allows for a variety of modifications to prevent plateauing and boredom,” says Morris.
The numerous modifications make the workout appealing to a broad range of fitness levels, but anyone with bone or joint injury, high blood pressure, or respiratory disease should consult their physician before attempting the workout. Morris also sees the Harry Potter workout as a great opportunity for healthy family fun.
