Take your workout to the local park
By Molly Wichman
Guest columnis tJuly 25, 2014
2014-07-25T14:25:40Z
Molly Wichman
COURTESY PHOTO
We have all seen kids playing on the swings, slides and running around having fun at the park, but this can also be a great place to do a resistance and cardiovascular workout. Kids look at the park and see a fun place to run and play, adults see a place to let their kids run free to play and use up some built up energy, I see the above and a “workout playground” come to mind. Next time you are at one of our superb Lee’s Summit parks look at the playground equipment there and try to visualize how you can use it to do a mini workout. If you are up to it, try one of my Playground Workouts below.
Beginner Park Workout
5 minute walk or jog to park (or around the trail at the park)
15 incline push-ups on a park bench
15 high knees run in place
15 body weight squats
15 abdominal crunches (lie on grass or park bench)
15 triceps dips on park bench
*Repeat 2-3 times. Break for 30 seconds between each set
5 minute walk or jog home (or around the trail at the park)
Advanced Park Workout
5 minute walk or jog to park (or around the trail at the park)
20 incline pushups
20 hanging leg raises
20 park bench box jumps
30 second run in place
20 triceps dips on park bench
*Repeat 3-5 times. Break for 30 seconds between each set
5 minute walk or jog home (or around the trail at the park)
Remember to pay attention to what your body needs. Stay hydrated and safe. For a listing of the local parks and trails visit www.cityofls.net/Parks and maybe I’ll see you out there!
Molly Wichman, a Lee’s Summit resident and member of the Livable Streets Advisory Board, a mayor-appointed, volunteer board whose goals include working to make our community and our streets more “livable,” safe and accessible for all of our citizens.
Link to article in Lee’s Summit Journal: http://www.lsjournal.com/2014/07/25/119237/take-your-workout-to-the-local.html?sp=/99/100/170/