The Playground Workout

Bills are creeping and you just don’t have the pennies for a gym membership, right? Don’t panic. You can still get your fitness on the old-fashioned way, just like you did when you were a little kid. The playground, as childish as it may seem, presents a lot of opportunity to tone up. So while you’re out at the park doing your daily run or walk, stop by the monkey bars and make a good workout better. 

Jungle Gym Pull-Ups

Find a horizontal bar on the jungle gym that’s about chest height. Extend your legs in front of you so that your chest is right underneath the bar and then place your feet hip-width apart. Using your elbows, draw your body  in towards the bar. Straighten out and then repeat. Do five of these pull-ups to start, but work your way to 15. This exercise is great for your back and biceps.

Standing Push-Ups

Do 15 push-ups on a bar that lies diagonal to the jungle gym. Stand arm-length away and then place your hands on the bar, making sure the bar is not higher than your chest. Keep your weight on your toes and bend your elbows until your chest touches the bar, the same way you would if your chest touched the floor in a normal push-up.

Slide Lunge

Get your  butt and thighs toned with this one! Facing away from the slide, rest your left foot on the bottom of it put your hands on your hips. Bend your right knee so that your right thigh is parallel to the ground, but don’t let your knee be above your toes. Go back to the starting position by pressing with your right heel. Complete 15 reps and then switch to your other leg.

Bench Dip

Benches aren’t just for sitting anymore! Sit on the bench while grabbing the edge of it, making sure your hands remain shoulder-width apart. Scott of the leg, pushing your legs straight out in front you, while keeping your knees slightly bent. Bend your elbows and lower your butt so that it reaches a few inches off the ground; don’t sit on the ground! Hold it and then, while keeping your back close to the bench, slowly pull yourself back up. 15 reps will give your shoulders and triceps the work out they need.