train like an athlete

5 Reasons You Should Train Like an Athlete (Even If You Don’t Think You Are One)

When I first started working out, I didn’t see myself as an athlete. I wasn’t training for a competition, I wasn’t on a sports team, and I definitely didn’t think of myself as someone with “natural” athletic ability. But over time, I realized something: training like an athlete isn’t just for the elite few—it’s for …

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Work out more efficiently

Train Smarter, Not Longer: 7 Ways to Make Your Workouts More Efficient

One of the biggest excuses I hear for skipping workouts? Not enough time. But the truth is, you don’t need an hour at the gym to get results. In fact, shorter, high-intensity workouts can be just as effective—if not more—than long, drawn-out sessions. The key is training smarter, not longer. When you focus on efficiency, …

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explosive power workout

How to Build Explosive Power in Just 12 Minutes

  If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably noticed something—I jump. A lot. Whether it’s broad jumps, box jumps, tuck jumps, or just random bursts of energy in the middle of a workout, I can’t help myself. Jumping isn’t just fun (though it absolutely is)—it’s also one of the best ways to build …

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12 minute bodyweight AMRAP workout

12-Minute No-Equipment AMRAP Workout for Strength and Cardio

Short on time but still want an effective workout? You don’t need a gym, fancy equipment, or even much space — just 12 minutes and determination. That’s the beauty of AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) workouts: they’re fast, intense, and deliver maximum results in minimal time. I love AMRAP workouts when I’m in a …

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how to mix up your burpees

How to Level Up Your Burpees: Variations and Challenges for Every Fitness Level

    I’ll admit it: I have a love-hate relationship with burpees. They’re tough, they’re sweaty, and sometimes they feel endless. But there’s a reason we did a 100 burpee challenge every month at 12 Minute Athlete for years. Burpees are one of the best full-body exercises out there. They build strength, boost cardio, and …

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The benefits of a deload week

Why Deload Weeks Are Key to Long-Term Fitness Success (and How to Try One Yourself)

In 15 years of consistent working out, there’s something I’ve never done intentionally: take a deload week. Sure, I’ve had forced deload weeks. Traveling sometimes means I can’t hit the gym as usual, or there are those weeks where I feel so mentally and physically drained that my body practically screams at me to take …

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How to build a fitness habit that sticks

Why Your Fitness Habits Aren’t Sticking (And What to Do About It)

  If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly starting over on your fitness journey, you’re not alone. Most people approach fitness with the best of intentions: they set ambitious goals, dive headfirst into a new routine, and promise themselves this time will be different. But a few weeks later? Motivation fades, life gets busy, and …

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cold weather workout

A Workout to Get You Moving on Cold, Winter Days

When the weather turns cold and gloomy, staying active can feel like an uphill battle. It’s so tempting to curl up and stay cozy—but trust me, you’ll feel a hundred times better after a workout. Whether you’re stuck inside watching the rain or snow, or heading to the gym to break out of the winter …

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Create fun fitness goals

50+ Cool Fitness Goal Ideas to Challenge Yourself This Next Year

Since starting 12 Minute Athlete nearly 10 years ago (can you believe it?!), I’ve always been a huge believer in the power of goals to keep us motivated, challenged, and continuously growing. Goals have been a game-changer for me, helping me stay excited about my fitness and life—even when motivation dips. Over the years, I’ve …

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athlete breaking through fitness plateau

Breaking Through Plateaus: 5 Strategies to Keep Progressing

We’ve all been there—making steady progress, feeling great, and then… suddenly, it feels like you’re stuck in place. You’ve hit a plateau. In my 15 years in fitness, I’ve encountered plateaus more times than I can count. They’ve cropped up in everything from increasing my rep count in interval workouts to perfecting handstands to advancing …

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