Tired of sitting on your axe? Looking for a way to get your motor running?
A fitness writer and self-proclaimed "gym rat" in Portland, Oregon, believes he has an exercise routine for the rest of us -- the "Air Guitar Workout."
Charles Austin Muir has been doing air guitar for years, but only recently realized its physical benefits.
"Growing up, I was obsessed with Pete Townsend of the Who and used to imitate his windmill moves," Muir told The Huffington Post.
"I had this awakening last year. There are a lot of exercises that use movements that are also used in air guitar."
Air guitar is more than just head banging, it's a full body routine, Muir said.
"You have to maintain the shape of the guitar while you're moving around," he explained. "That can be intense."
Muir goes into more detail in an article about the Air Guitar Workout in an article written for the Portland Mercury:
"When I shred to Van Halen's 'Everybody Wants Some!!,' I work legs, core, posterior chain, even grip strength. I do lawn mower pulls with my strums. Wood choppers when I whip my air guitar across my body. Sumo squats, Jefferson deadlifts, off-the-couch depth jumps. Medicine ball slams when I smash my air guitar like Pete Townshend. Neck work when I'm headbanging.
"That adds up to intervals, plyometrics, dynamic stretching, and ab work all in less than 10 minutes. A total-body workout that digs into muscles you won't reach hoisting bar-bells."
Muir believes his Air Guitar Workout might inspire people who otherwise hate the thought of exercise.
"This brings a sense of play into your workout, so you don't feel like it's work," Muir said. "Playing air guitar is fun, but do it for all nine minutes of 'Free Bird,' and you'll realize you've been exercising!"
Although air guitar competitions tend to attract heavy metal headbangers, Muir says any type of music will work and that people can even do air drums or air key-tar if they so desire.
"You could even be an air classical composer -- those guys move around a lot!" he said.
Ready to start strumming your fake axe? Muir says it's important to listen to your body, not just the music.
"Modify your routine if you feel pain -- nine minutes can be torture even if it's fun at the time."
