Power Playground Workout

Power Playground Workout

Remember when the only gym you knew was of the jungle variety? It didn't feel like work, but all that climbing and hanging torched tons of calories while strengthening your muscles. Return to recess with this rut-busting plan designed by Amy Bento Ross, a trainer in Norwalk, CT. "You'll use a slide and a swing to do familiar toners, which engages more muscle groups than performing them on flat ground," Ross says. "Plus, hefting your weight on the monkey bars and a bridge targets every inch of your upper body without dumbbells." Crank out these moves midway through a park run or do them in place of a regular sculpting session—and put the fun back in your fitness routine.

How it works: Twice a week, do 3 sets of each move in order, resting for up to 1 minute between each exercise.

You will need: Playground

                                      Offset Squat

1. AStand with right foot on a slide and left foot on the ground beside it, feet shoulder-width apart. Bend elbows at your sides and hold hands in fists. Squat, rise up to starting position, and repeat. Switch sides to complete set.

2. RECOMMENDED:

   Sets:

   3

   Reps:

   10

1.                                   Swing Through

   
   

   
   

   

   1. AGrasp the side rails of a bridge with hands slightly in front of you and stand with feet together on the walkway. Jump forward as you lift your legs to hip height or higher in front of you. Hold for 2 seconds, then return to starting position. That's one rep.
   2.                                    Split Lunge

   

   
   

   1. AStand about 2 feet in front of a swing and place top of left foot on it; clasp hands in front of chest, elbows pointing down.
   2. BBend knees until right thigh is parallel to the ground, pushing left leg slightly back. Rise up to starting position and repeat. Switch sides to complete set.

                 Hang Ten

       

1. AGrasp a high bar with hands shoulder-width apart and palms facing away from you. Jump up as you bend your elbows and pull yourself up until chin is above the bar and legs are extended toward the ground. Hold for 10 seconds, then return to starting position.
2.