Minor yet regular decisions are the foundation of a healthier and more active lifestyle. For example, do you take the elevator or climb a few stairs? Should your vehicle be parked close by for convenience or farther away to get those extra steps in each day? Although these choices may appear insignificant alone, collectively, they can make an immense difference in your physical health and emotional well-being.
When designing your playground, you have several options. Intentionally including outdoor fitness equipment will inspire adults and children to get active. The selection of fitness playground equipment is wide enough to accommodate all kinds of abilities, from seasoned athletes to beginners just starting their exercise journey! Encourage positive lifestyles for visitors at your playground by providing a safe space where they can work on improving their physical health.
Playgrounds Aren't Just for Kids
When most people think of playgrounds, they picture children playing on swings and slides. However, modern playgrounds are designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Adding fitness equipment can provide multiple generations an enjoyable way to work out and stay healthy together.
Many fitness equipment pieces are designed for multiple users, so even a small playground can provide an effective entire body workout!
Importance of Exercises
Physical activity is essential for a person's short- and long-term health and general well-being. Exercise helps to strengthen heart and lung capacity, reduce stress, improve balance, increase energy, and build muscle strength. Additionally, physical activity can help control weight and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Everyone can benefit from adding a few exercises to their daily routine regardless of age or fitness level. Regular workouts help to improve overall physical and mental health. When designed correctly, playgrounds can provide adults an engaging way to exercise their bodies and minds.
The Benefits of Playground Exercise Equipment
Adding outdoor fitness equipment to your playground offers several benefits. First, it's a great way to encourage physical activity and healthy habits in children and adults. The wide range of playground equipment available means that your playground has something to offer people of all ages and abilities, from light aerobic activity to intense strength outdoor training.
A playground is important not only for physical health but also for fostering social interaction. Youth are more likely to stay active when working out with friends, and adults can enjoy the community as they work out together. Finally, incorporating outdoor fitness equipment into your playground greatly reduces stress and improves mental health.
Playground Exercises You Can Try
Activities have a way of slipping through the cracks when summer vacation hits. Don't worry; your fitness routine is still within reach!
Take your full-body workout to the playground and incorporate park bench dips, swing planks, and other moves that can be modified according to your abilities—all while keeping an eye on the kids. Best of all? You don't have to apply for a gym membership because it's completely free!
1. Pull Ups
Find a straight bar you can easily lift yourself to. Monkey bars are usually the best option for this exercise. Most people opt for a neutral-grip posture, yet if that isn't right for you, feel free to modify it with narrow or wide variations - whatever feels most comfortable!
Starting position by seizing the bar and pressing your shoulder blades away from your ears. Then, with the help of your biceps, draw yourself up to meet the bar, squeezing together those shoulders as you lift!
Finally, reach a peak and slowly descend back down with control before repeating 10-20 times for an effective challenging workout.
2. Monkey Bars
Get ready to experience the joys of childhood once again with this fun exercise! Locate a set of monkey bars, and swing your way around them.
As you do so, keep yourself relaxed - your shoulders should not come up to meet your ears - and ensure you are engaging those back muscles! Before long, you'll start feeling just like an energetic kid again.
3. Hanging Knee Pulls
Firmly grasp the bar, drawing your shoulder blades down and away from your ears. Next, engage your abdominal muscles and use them to pull both knees towards your chest.
After that, release by extending the legs straight out once more (maintaining a straight line). Aim for 10-15 repetitions without allowing yourself to sway too far back and forth.
4. Bench Jumps
Locate an open bench around knee height that isn't concrete to help preserve your joints. Stand a foot away and lower into a low squat with emphasis on the heels.
Channel all your power, then jump up slightly, pulling your knees towards the chest while propelling yourself forward to get both feet onto the bench—heels first for landing gracefully. Move your right knee first. Step one foot at a time, back down to repeat 10-20 times!
5. Swing Push-ups
Now make your way to the swingset and locate an empty swing. Position yourself away from the seat, and lower into a plank using only your hands for support.
Gradually lift each foot onto the swing while keeping your shoulders aligned with your palms and engaging those abdominal muscles! Maintain balance as you bend at the elbows, then push down into decline push-ups before powering back up through the chest and triceps to resume that strong pushup position.
Perform 10-20 reps of this exercise for best results!
6. Swing Knee Tucks
Descend to your plank position with your feet planted firmly on the swing. Remain focused and keep shoulders over hands as you engage your core tight muscles to draw knees -- and the swing -- towards your chest.
Then, carefully return to a sturdy plank pose, ensuring that hips do not slump or drop. Immediately repeat 10-15 times for best results!
7. Slide Climb
Visit the park early in the morning for a better workout and fewer children. Securely grab onto one side of the slide, then slowly ascend to its peak.
This exercise improves your agility while providing an effective routine for your shoulders, thighs, and core muscles.
8. Swing Set Split Squat
Instead of using a stability trainer, you can use this move to work your legs and glutes. Position yourself with your back facing the swing and place one foot on top of it - either on the tips of your toes or at the top of your foot. This will allow you to reap all the benefits of traditional swing set knee-tucks!
Once securely grounded, place your hands on your hips and slowly lower yourself into a split squat position. Allow the back one leg to rest slightly behind the body and rise again before repeating the motion.
Switch legs on alternating sets to ensure you hit both sides evenly. Also, remember to keep your front foot flat throughout the entire motion range for optimal results.
9. Split Squats
For a more effective and efficient workout at the playground compared to walking lunges, try Bulgarian Split Squats. During this exercise, you'll keep your working leg constantly engaged throughout.
To begin, stand with one foot on a park bench; keeping your torso upright and contracted, lower yourself down as if performing a regular lunge. Go as low as possible while ensuring that your front knee doesn't go beyond your front foot!
Playground Equipment You'll Likely Need
These are only the basics you'll need to get started on your playground exercise routine!
- Monkey bars
- Swingset with an empty swing
- Slide
- Bench (knee height or lower)
- Suspension trainer
By combining just a few of these exercises, you can create a full-body workout that will help keep your muscles toned and energized! Just remember to switch it up repeatedly to keep your muscles challenged.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start swinging!
Quality Playground Equipment with Park N Play Design
At Park N Play Design, we offer a wide selection of high-quality playground equipment designed for children and adults alike. From swing sets to slides and monkey bars, you will find something that suits your needs.
We have been supplying playgrounds with our top-notch products, offering everything from swingsets to slides to monkey bars! Our products are built with safety in mind and will provide hours of fun while keeping you fit and healthy! So make sure to check out Park N Play Design today!
Plus, our team of professional installers can have your playground up and running in no time! So what are you waiting for?
Final Thoughts
Playgrounds are a great place to exercise, and when equipped with the right playground equipment, you can create an effective full-body playground workout. With the right equipment and a few simple moves, you can easily create a whole routine that will help to tone up your muscles. Plus, with Park N Play Design's selection of quality equipment, you'll be able to find the perfect combination of playground equipment to suit your needs.
And remember to mix up your routine now and then to keep your muscles challenged. So get out there and start having fun while getting a great workout!
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