Being that some of us are getting an early start, we may as well do a challenge while we wait for the rest of the horde to arrive. So, on Monday morning, I will post a Week 1 Challenge here for any members who wants to get started early. There will be one of these challenges every week and then we will be starting the main challenge.

Okay. Here is your first Early Bird Challenge:

Week 1 Early Bird Challenge

During a zombie outbreak, learning combat techniques and conditioning your physique will not be difficult, as your skills and experience will most likely be forged in battle. Before the outbreak, however, how do you build up your zombie killing skills? Through effective combat training exercises. What is combat training and how does it differ from fitness routines and other exercises? While the cardio and strength training exercises keep your body fit and conditioned, combat training seeks to replicate scenarios you may encounter during a zombie attack. 
Consider what you may have to do in a given day during an outbreak. You may have to:
1. Run from an attacking horde
2. Climb over fences and abandoned vehicles
3. Crawl under fencing
4. Gather supplies
5. Use blunt instruments to shatter Walkers' skulls. 

These motions will incorporate your shoulder and chest muscles– pushing attackers, thrusting swords or spears. Your back will be used for pulling/extracting weapons and swinging bludgeons. Thighs and hamstrings will be used for running, climbing, kicking and stomping. Abdominals are involved in all these actions too. Ideal exercises will focus on these muscle groups and will improve your speed, stamina, agility and fighting skills. Additionally, you need to be able to accomplish your routine with no equipment, silently, and in a confined area. This will replicate a possible scenario during a zombie outbreak where you must remain quiet in a small space.

 The 9 Fitnessblender video workouts below are divided into Expert, Intermediate and Beginner intensities and all 9 are designed to be performed inside, without equipment and will work your key muscles, improve your endurance and hone your combat skills. Complete any three this week at the skill level you are currently  most comfortable with.  Modify the exercises,  if required, and stretch before and after each workout. 

Expert Routines
Recommended For Team Rick, Team Daryl and Team Michonne

Kickboxing (with abs) 37 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFUxgIXEHAk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Train Like an MMA Fighter 12 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKYqxI08lOU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Endurance Workout for Stamina Speed and Agility 14 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uVaKjtJHN8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Intermediate Routines
Recommended For Team Carol, Team Carl, Team Walker Horde, Team Glenn and Maggie and Team Tyreese and Sasha

Total Body Burnout For Endurance 43 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCCYBNlzUcg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Cardio Kickboxing 11 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-75VjaSG0Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Cardio Abs and Obliques 10 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OCa-IN2EdA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Beginner Routines
Recommended For Team Lily and Tara, Team Bob and Team Lizzie and Mika and Team Beth. 

Low Impact Total Body Beginners Workout 40 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiuJ3ZFAiBg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Low Impact Quiet Cardio Workout 22 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaJryQEsT94&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Low Impact Kickboxing 9 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0TziwMB3fk&feature=youtube_gdata_player