The Burpee is an exercise developed by Royal H. Burpee (1898-1987) as means to test the agility, coordination and strength of those that engage in it.  This required “burpees” to be done in rapid succession.  Burpees became a popular exercise for the Armed Forces.  I will never forget doing “the most hated exercise” while I was in the Marines.  The original name was a “four-count Burpee” since it was done in four steps.

1. Begin in a standing position.
2. Drop into a squat position with your hands on the ground. (count 1)
3. Extend or throw your feet back into a plank position. (count 2)
4. Bring your feet back quickly into a squat position. (count 3)
5. Return to the standing position. (count 4)

There have been a lot of confusion between squat thrusts and burpees.  In its original form, they are squat thrusts.  The push-ups and jumping at the end are variations added later.  When I was in the Marines, we didn’t do the jump.  Nowadays, Marine have incorporated jumps as part of a burpee (and I do too).  Burpees have been described as the best full-body exercise or even the best single exercise ever.

You can do them with or without a jump at the end.  That’s up to you.  I would suggest doing the standard burpee or squat thrust and increasing your challenges with a jump later.  You can also use a table top or bench top instead of going all the way down.  This helps those that are not as fit.

Start with the basic “Burpee” and then advance to harder ones.  In fact, there is a mile Burpee challenge.  You would do Burpees and with a broad jump.  You’d keep doing them until you reach a full mile.  That’s a challenge folks!  For now, do as many as you can in 1 minute.  Rest 1-2 minutes and repeat for a total of 3 rounds.

Now that you know what a Burpee is, don’t call me names when you do them and end up “puking.”  Have fun too!

Cheers,

Bob Choat
America’s #1 Mind-Body Transformation Expert and Author of ‘Mind Your Own Fitness’