There are a lot of things playing turn-based RPGs can teach you. How to use your time effectively, the power of making incremental progress, and most importantly, the value of a good plan. You can play turn after turn, chipping away at a boss’ health bar, only to have all your effort obliterated by some BS spell that one-shots you. Whether you’re farming for XP or gearing up for a multi-part raid boss, getting the right plan in place is vital.
Today, we’ve partnered up with Anytime Fitness to create a workout plan inspired by our love of turn-based RPGs, called Train Like You Game. With the help of personal trainer Tyler Buckingham, we’re going to show you how you can level up your future self. Start grinding toward that next level today. You’ll be glad you did.
The Warm-up:
2 Sets
– Front Shoulder Raises x 10
– Toe Touches x 8
– Lateral Lunges x 6 per side
– Upright Rows x 12
Rest 30 seconds
The Train Like You Game Turn-Based RPG Workout
This will be an EMOM workout, meaning each exercise starts Every Minute On the Minute. You do the exercise, finish your reps and then rest until the next minute begins. You’ll keep working your way through these exercises until the timer runs out. Just like in a turn-based RPG, harder bosses take longer to vanquish. For a simple boss, you’ll work out for 30 Minutes, a moderate boss is 40 Minutes, and a diamond-hard immediate-level-up boss is 50 Minutes. Your action points are almost full. Let’s go through the exercises.
Superhero Landmine Presses x 6 Reps Per Side
When you’ve only got one turn to work with, you need to make sure you’re able to move with intensity. Cast “explode” with this movement that will challenge your coordination throughout your body. As Buckingham says, “You’ll get plenty of core engagement here as you coil yourself toward your back pocket, then explode up and through the barbell toward the corner of the ceiling.”
Bulgarian Split Squats x 8 Reps Per Side
A big battle is a war of attrition. Staying steady when you just need to chip away and do the work instead of going for a home run. That’s how it is with Bulgarian split squats, one of the most challenging exercises you’ll find. “Your single leg strength will be tested here,” says Buckingham. “This exercise will have you fighting for stability and control of your whole body.”
V-Grip Landmine Rows x 8 Reps
You might think you need massive arms to wield a six-foot-tall blade, but your back is going to be doing most of the heavy lifting. Put points into your “Upper Body” skill with these rows that will have you shaking. Need to increase your power? Build a better back.
Front-Racked Kettlebell Farmer’s Walks x 30 Seconds
What’s the best part of an RPG? If you said, “Walking back and forth in the same place and finding enemies to attack so you can level up,” you’re a sicko (complimentary). You may be reminded of that ‘classic’ grind as you walk backwards and forwards with a couple of front-racked kettlebells. “Nothing says defense like a strong sturdy spine. And don’t forget, you’ll need to be able to breathe with this one!” says Buckingham.
Trap Bar Deadlifts x 10 Reps
Sometimes, your whole party starts falling around you. You’re out of potions and you haven’t saved in an hour and a half. At this point, one of your characters must put the party on their back and carry you to your destiny—and that’s where trap bar deadlifts come in. Why is this one of Buckingham’s favorite exercises? “There isn’t a single muscle in your body that doesn’t work when this is properly loaded up. Your arms have to hold every bit of weight on the bar. Your back and core have to maintain their strength and stability. And your legs must push the world away as you stand with power.” Stay strong, hero. You’ve got this.
Finish up your fight and take a leisurely stroll on a treadmill, a non-combat zone. Every Anytime Fitness has an area where you can stretch or do a mobility flow. Treat yourself with some kindness. You’ve earned it after a marathon like that. After all, your next battle is just around the corner and recovery is how you get better. With a plan in place, you’ll get closer and closer to the level cap every day.