Getting in a good workout doesn’t have to mean an expensive gym membership or costly home fitness machines and tools. When you want a new scene and a free workout, head out to the local park and utilize the fixtures there to build muscle and work up a good sweat. Use our list to see the unique workouts you can complete at the park and take a break from the gym.
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Use Park Benches for Your Core
Good for more than just sitting and watching life pass by, you can use park benches to strengthen your core, arms, and legs. Use the benches for step-ups, building your leg muscles and promoting better balance. You can also use park benches for incline and decline push-ups. For incline, put your hands on the bench and push yourself up. For decline push-ups, put your feet up on the bench behind you.
Use Swings for Your Legs
Swings are an excellent low-intensity workout when used as intended. Use your legs to pump, swinging as fast and high as possible. You might also find the swings useful for planking. Put both feet in the swing and extend your body, resting on your forearms. Hold the inclined planking position as long as possible to strengthen your core.
Use Picnic Tables for Jumps
Picnic tables make a great spot to have lunch after your workout. Before that, use the table to work up a sweat. If the table is sturdy, use it for box jumps. Jump up with both feet, then back down. You can also use picnic tables for planks. Of course, be respectful of the park equipment. If your favorite local park needs an equipment upgrade, send them to a company to get new, sturdy fixtures to help with your workout and everyone’s park enjoyment.
Use Monkey Bars for Your Arms
Aside from swinging around like an animal in the jungle, you can use the monkey bars to strengthen your core and upper body. Use the bars to perform chin-ups or pull-ups. Push yourself to cross the span of bars in a certain amount of time and continue working to break your speed record.
Use Bike Racks for Stretching
Ride your bicycle to the park for an extra step in your workout and secure it using the bike rack. You can also use the bike rack for stretching before and after your workout. Use the rack to elevate your legs and stretch out. Low bike racks may also be useful for jumps, so long as there are no bikes parked in them. Simply jump with both feet over the rack forward, then backward to the other side again.
Use Steps and Stairs for Cardio
Many parks have playground equipment that includes steps to get up to the slides or other features. Use these stairs for a cardio workout, running up and down as many times as you can. Of course, be mindful of children in the park and stay off the equipment while it’s being enjoyed by the little ones.
Getting in a solid workout can be done without true fitness equipment. For a change of scenery and more creative workouts, head over to your neighborhood park and make use of the equipment there.