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.