The Benefits of Playground Swings

Swings have been a playground staple from the start of human civilization. In fact, swings were even present at the planning phase of the pyramids of Giza. They make a statement, they represent progress, flexibility, force and strength.

In the 21st century gyms and playgrounds have boards and bars and are designed to "strengthen" our bodies with weight bearing activities.

But what do we do when we play outdoors?

We just dive into it. We swing, we run, we lift, we squat, we throw, we twist, we stretch, we do press ups and crunches, we play hop rushing, we chase the kids, we jump over...it is endless.

Because we live in an "in and out" culture it is easy to forget that we have to do some prep work when we get outside.

We need to know how to stretch properly, how to do press ups properly. We need to know how to use our bodies to improve fitness.

It doesn't matter, does it, because we are not taught how to use and maintain our body correctly. Kids push, kick, lift,race, and tackle, and "they" do not get physiologically tested.

Press ups, or push ups work your chest, triceps and shoulders. Lifting a small weight increases your strength and ability to lift. It works shoulder muscles, traps and upper back. "It" works biceps, triceps and forearms. Squatting works your quads, calves, hamstrings and butt. It builds strength, flexibility and fitness. Switching up the angles and using the largest muscles in your body is how to build muscle strength.

The kids are now up to the "max" weights and times. They are taught to load the weight, set the weight and go over it. For example, when your child goes to a "max" of weight, they must hold it with both hands and "low hanging" and then withoutLimits Auto locationsand squeeze the muscle, that usually requires 2-5 repetitions.

But notice how this Puberty 101 stuff changed. Now its called "strength training", where you focus on muscle mass and balance.

I still lean heavily on my chiropractic and yoga. The only difference is I find time to run now. My kids run and play!! The only blemish on this idyll is I am a better runner and I am improving my strength, flexibility and fitness. Why did I wait?

My motive for you is to get moving. Get creative and make a difference in your life. When your outside is your gym and you are a trainer, your balance and strength improve. When your on the mats or bike riding outside, you have to maintain your center and your balance. There are many ways to do this.

Do some incorporate strength training into your fitness routine. I know you all have seen many of the fitness models and body builders. I promise you these cosmetic alterations do not come cheaply. If there is one thing I have learned from over 15 years of fitness it is that you can't just work out one day and call it a workout.

If you are serious about strength training, you need to do your workouts 3 times a week (otherwise known as compound exercises). Compound exercises are the only type of workout that will improve your strength, flexibility and balance. If you spend all your workout time doing isolation exercises, you will pull your muscles, and not get the results you want.

You need to know how to use various equipment at the gym. If you do not know how to move safely on the equipment, you may do a dis-ease to your body, or may waste your time. My vision is that the average adult will soon be able to use free weights, umbrellas, straps, balls, classes, machines, and more. Fitness Abroad is my vision as well.

Finally, you will be more creative, and be capable of seeing your body differently.

I promise you the more you can do with weights and free weights the better. As I said in #1, I believe building muscle can be achieved in a shorter amount of time. That is true. The key is to use free weights and not machines. Imagine a child learning to play soccer with a ball. I don't want you to think of the ball as a machine; it is a tool.

The more you practice, the better you will become.