This is the second workout idea in Robin’s Epic Childhood Throwback Series.
Do you know UNO?
UNO is a classic card game that dates back decades. For some, it brings back childhood memories. For others, it was the source of hours of entertainment in college dorm rooms.
If none of this rings a bell, perhaps this classic Australian commercial will serve as a reminder. Or it may just spark a debate on the proper pronunciation of UNO. (In the States, we pronounce it like the number one in Spanish. Apparently in Australia, it’s said more like “you know”.)
If you’re a fan of the tried-and-true game of UNO, you’ll love the UNO WORKOUT!
First, let’s start with a brief overview of the rules of the game of UNO:
- Everyone draws seven cards from the deck. The rest of the cards are placed face down in the middle of the group
- Cards can include 0-9 numbered cards, SKIP card (skip the next person), REVERSE card (reverse the direction of game play), Draw 2 card (the next person has to draw two more cards), WILD cards (the holder has the power to change the color being played) and WILD Draw 4 cards (the holder gets to change the color being played AND the next person has to draw 4 cards.
- With the exception of the WILD cards, the cards are color-coded either red, blue, yellow or green
- When it’s your turn to play a card, you can only put down the same color or same number being played. The only exception is the WILD card, which gives you the power to change the color being played. If you don’t have any playable cards, you must draw from the unused card stack until you have a card you can play.
- When you play your last card, you MUST shout “UNO!”
- The winner is the first person to get rid of all of his or her cards
Now that we know the rules, here is how a simple game of UNO can be transformed into the…
# of people: at least 2 – more is better! If you have a large group, you may need to split up into smaller groups and get multiple UNO card decks.
Equipment needed: UNO card deck, white board (so everyone can see the corresponding colors/exercises)
Time needed: varies. Allow at least 20 minutes, if not more. If a game ends quickly, you can always start a new game. But prepare for a game to take a while, because sometimes that happens.
How to play:
Everyone draws seven cards. Once all starting cards are drawn, place the unused card deck at a distance that will require a quick run or sprint for those who will need to draw cards during the game.
Determine a starting player and direction of play (clockwise or counterclockwise – this will change as Reverse cards are played).
Every card played has a corresponding exercise (except REVERSE and SKIP). Everyone in the group does the exercise before the next card is played. The color determines the exercise, and the number on the card determines the number of reps. The only exception is the zero (0) card, which equals ten reps.
WILD cards will have their own exercise that everyone will do before the holder determines the new color.
DRAW 2/4 card = everyone runs to unused card deck, and person whose turn it is to draw takes cards.
Sample color exercises for a bodyweight workout:
RED = Up & Down Planks (both sides = 1)
BLUE = Squat jumps
GREEN = Shoulder taps (both sides = 1)
YELLOW = Star Jumps
WILD = 10 Burpees
This means that if a WILD DRAW 4 card is played, everyone does ten burpees and then everyone runs to the unused card deck. The recipient draws four cards and everyone runs back to continue game play. Although the player of this card will get the power to change the color, that person also may incur the ire of the other players…at least at that moment!
Finally, don’t forget that little rule about shouting “UNO!” when you play your last card. If you don’t say “UNO!” and another player calls you out, do bear crawls to the unused card deck and back while everyone else holds a plank. (Or substitute another suitably punishing exercise.)
Proper pronunciation of UNO is, of course, up to you!
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Hi! I’m Robin and I own Power Jam Fitness in Los Angeles, CA. I found my way into training through roller derby, of all things. I’m a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. I originally started Power Jam Fitness to help roller derby skaters get proper strength and conditioning training, but now I’m all about helping people of all walks of life discover their own inner athletes. When I’m not training, working out or roller skating, I’m spending time with my husband Michael and Best Cat in the World Olly, enjoying live music, and pretending to be a rock star on the karaoke stage.