Burpee

Burpees are a whole body exercise that develops core and upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness. The full burpee can be used with a movement such as bent over rows or deadlifts to create a whole body workout using only two exercises. Burpees are a progression of the push up and squat movements, so having adequate strength and correct technique in these movements is required before progressing. The full burpee, containing the push up, requires more upper body strength then does half burpee which can performed in cardio circuits without fatigueing the arm muscles.

Functional Benefit

Being a whole body exercise the burpee burns a high number of calories, increases cardiovascular fitness and develops balanced strength in a different muscle groups. Like all whole body exercises is important to perform each elements of the movement with correct technique. The burpee is particularly beneficial in developing leg endurance whilst challenging upper body strength. This makes the burpee an effective strengthening exercise for sports such as rugby or boxing which require upper body strength during times of fatigue