Blog
Rest Stop Rehab… Staying in Shape on the Road
I’ve been wanting to write a blog about how to turn your kids’ playground adventures into your own personal workout without looking like an idiot, but I couldn’t figure out how to get pictures of myself demonstrating stuff without sounding like a weirdo: “Um, hi! Can you use my camera phone to take some pictures of me doing squats while I push my child on the swing so I can blog about it?”
Thankfully, our recent trip to Montana to visit family offered me the perfect opportunity. My husband was with us, we found a good place to stop and “stretch” that didn’t involve nasty snacks or gross bathrooms, and my healing knee was screaming for some movement. I confess that the prior stop involved exactly that, so we needed a nice clean park where we could get some exercise without pressure to buy any artery cloggers.
 |
| Moochie always adds her own flair to everything … even sliding! |
“This is the best day ever, Mom!” My daughter exclaimed her exaggeration as she flung her feet into the air, and I followed her lead on the swing next door. My knee was enjoying the gentle stretch of “pumping” back and forth, and my abs and arms were also getting a gentle workout as I leaned forward and back, lengthening and tightening my biceps, lats and transverse… such a simple enjoyable motion that indeed has the power to chase away the traveling blues.
“Push me, Mama!” My son is always demanding his own turn, but of course I gave the prerequisite “Say please!” before I obliged him quite willingly because pushing a kid on a swing can be just as much of a workout as swinging on a swing if you do a few extra barely-noticeable things: squat, pull your shoulders back and turn each push into a triceps extension (aka: back of the arm “waddle” worker outer)
 |
| Feet wide, toes turned out, do a little squat as you push and shout! |
Every time your child swings back toward you, do a wide squat and pull your tummy inward to your spine. Stand up as your push your child away up into the air. Be sure to keep your legs wide enough that your knees don’t overshoot your toes. Mine had to be shallow because of my recent knee surgery, but I say I’m doing pretty good for being 8 days post-op.
For a triceps extension that works the back of your arms, just keep your elbows closer together (in line with your shoulders) and bring your hands up in front of your face as you start to push them, finishing your downward motion with your hands in front of your hips. Keep your elbows kind of in one spot the whole time. Concentrate on squeezing along the back of your arms, and use the moments in between pushes to squeeze your shoulder-blades (scapulae) together.
If you push your kid on the swing for 5-10 minutes, swing on one yourself for 5-10 minutes, and climb around on the play structure with them for 5-10 minutes, that’s a lovely 15-30 minute gentle total-body workout! But your kids won’t know you are thinking about anything besides them. Playing with your kids is as good for you as it is for them!
What do you usually see parents and adults doing at the park while their kids play? Do you have any creative fitness ideas for yourself or others to do at the park?
What a GREAT idea!! I haven't had the opportunity to push my kids in a swing for 12+ years now, but this would have been something I could have done; I was not creative like you 🙂 I was so focused on their body coming back to me and where to push next!
Jean, I love what you said about "the opportunity to push" our kids on swings. I have to admit that sometimes I cringe at the 3rd daily request to "Swing me, Mama!" But you are so right. I only have two, and one already knows how to pump her legs. My little guys demands for this type of attention truly are an "opportunity" to love him!
I'm with you…I also try to figure out ways to turn everyday activities into ones that have a dual benefit — spending time with the kids AND getting a little exercise in!
Stumbled you!
https://keenlykristin.com/2011/05/the-summer-of-kristin-has-begun/
Thanks for linking up!
Kristin 🙂
I just "stumbled" by from the hop, which is found on a page on my site that lists more than 200 hops, memes, and photo challenges… some for each day of the week. Check under the header for the link to that page. I’ve also just started a BlogFrog community that focuses on hops, carnivals, memes, and photo challenges. Go to https://theblogfrog.com/1504201 to visit & participate.
I hope you’ll visit me soon. I follow back!
NCSue
That looks like a fun way to work out!
-:¦:- Stumble Through Thursday: Catwoman Costumes -:¦:-
Interesting. I've always thought about the kids getting exercise at the playground but never the parents! I'll have to be more aware of my surroundings next time to see what I can "add" to an experience to get a bit more out of it.
Thank you for coming by my blog and the nice words about my post. Every bit of support for Joplin means a lot to me.
Gave you a Stumble back. 🙂
Best,
Jayne
thanks for visiting my blog. im your latest follower.
great mommy blog you have here. motherhood is really very rewarding especially when our littles ones say the cutest things.
http://www.momdaughterstyle.com/
Recently my almost 3 year old has been enjoying chase/tag and follow the leader under & over the equipment. I also try to hang on the monkey bars while she climbs on the equipement.
Dawnielle, that is awesome. Hanging and climbing and chasing are such natural, primitive motions that our bodies love!