Fitness. Even for a Mom.

OK!! So I've been looking for some fun ways to tone up and better myself (or at least my appearance but I'd love some MORE energy and endorphins as well) and came across this Playground Workout and lI can't WAIT until Aiden is old enough to play at the park while I TOTALLY embarrass him with this workout that I just found!!! If anyone has the guts to do this in public (and the child that won't pretend they don't know you afterwards) let me know how you like it!! I think it'd be great fun and something to do while making sure your kid is enjoying themselves. :)


Swing Crisscross
Targets: Abs

Sit on a swing and hold the chains, then lean back about 45 degrees. Extend your legs straight in front of you with your feet together and toes pointed. Open your legs slightly to form a V, then cross your left calf over your right, contracting your core muscles to keep the swing as still as possible. Return to V position for one count, then cross your right calf over your left to complete the set. Do 12 to 15 sets.


Jungle-Gym Pull-Up
Targets: Back and biceps

Using an underhand grip, grasp a jungle-gym bar that's 3 to 4 feet high. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and extend your legs in front of you until your chest is under the bar; place your feet hip-width apart. Pull your chest close to the bar by drawing your elbows alongside your ribs. Straighten arms and repeat. Aim to do five pull-ups; work up to 12 to 15.


Slide Lunge
Targets: Butt and thighs

Stand facing away from the slide and rest your left foot on the bottom of it; place your hands on your hips. Bend your right knee until your right thigh is almost parallel to the ground, but don't let your knee move farther forward than above your toes. Return to starting position by pressing through your right heel. Do 12 to 15 reps, then repeat with the other leg.


Jungle-Gym Standing Push-Up
Targets: Chest, shoulders, and triceps

Stand arm-length away from the jungle gym, with feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on a bar that's no higher than your chest. Keeping your body straight and your weight on your toes, bend your elbows until your chest nearly touches the bar. Do 12 to 15 push-ups.


Lateral Leg Lift
Targets: Hips, outer thighs, and waist

Stand alongside a step so it's on your right side and place your right foot on it; rest hands on hips. Press through your right foot to raise yourself up until your right leg straightens as you simultaneously extend your left leg to the side with foot flexed. Do 12 to 15 lifts, then repeat on the other side.


Bench Dip
Targets: Shoulders and triceps

Sit on a bench and grip the edge with your hands shoulder-width apart. Scoot off the bench and extend your legs in front of you, bending your knees slightly. Bend your elbows and lower your butt a few inches toward the ground, keeping your back close to the bench; slowly press back up. Do 12 to 15 reps.

Peace, Love, and CookieDough