Benefits of Using Your Local Park for Exercise

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Did You Know? Healthcare and insurance costs are on the rise due to physical inactivity and obesity.
As obesity continues to rise, physical inactivity and obesity will continue to drive up the cost of healthcare.
The catastrophic increase of obesity can be credited to inactivity in Americans.
Since some physical activity is better than none, adults and children who participate in even a small amount of activity can gain some health benefits.
For substantial health benefits it is recommended that adults perform at least:
  • 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity,
  • 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or
  • an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activity.
Children and adolescents should perform at least 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
Approximately 1 in 3 American men and nearly 40% of women report no physical activity and only about 45% of Americans overall meet suggested aerobic guidelines.
Dramatic increases in obesity are a result of inactive lifestyles or poor diet and the trend shows no signs of reversing.
In short, obesity is a major factor in the rising healthcare costs and it is reasonable to expect that these costs will continue to rise for decades.
The cost of a gym membership plus the cost of healthcare may not be a smart financial decision for your wallet but by using the amenities at your local park, you can eliminate the gym membership and assist in lowering the cost of your healthcare.
Using Bleachers for Exercise: Running bleachers is much more intense than regular running so you will find that your heart beats at a much faster pace.
This activity also allows you to rest while you are walking back down after running to the top.
It is similar to interval training and is effective in training your cardiovascular system how to recover quickly.
Because running bleachers is a cardiovascular exercise, it is effective in burning calories, which in turn helps create a caloric deficit and increases body fat loss.
Participating in activities such as this for at least 30 minutes is great for burning calories.
Athletes incorporate running bleachers into their workout routine because of its effective ability to increase leg power.
In certain sports, leg power is beneficial in enhancing performance.
Pushing off each step with force works both the quadriceps and gluteal muscles.
Even long distance runners take advantage of the benefits associated with running bleachers.
Adding variety to your workouts can help ensure that you do not become bored with them.
For runners, a needed break from the ordinary is welcomed.
For non-runners, bleachers work the leg muscles in a way that no other activity can do.
Constant variety in a daily routine can prevent muscles from adapting and hitting a plateau.
Instead, it allows them to continue their development.
Using a Pool for Exercise: While aquatic activity is perfect for sedentary and obese populations, about half of Americans either fear deep water or are unable to swim.
Because of this, the benefits of exercising in a pool, such as health and longevity, are lost to approximately 100 million Americans.
This can also put a large population at risk of drowning.
Fortunately, there are several organizations that have established exceptional programs to attract and teach individuals to swim.
In addition, one of the leading pool activities is to swim for exercise.
Pool, spa and aquatic business/associations must work together to support organizations that teach people to swim.
More swimmers will result in a healthier society and fewer drownings.
It is important to understand the factors that discourage and encourage more people to become capable and regular swimmers.
There are several barriers that can inhibit individuals from participating in aquatic activities, they include but are not limited to:
  • Pool and swim lesson accessibility
  • Cultural issues such as choosing not to learn to swim or participate in aquatic recreation
  • Racial or ethnic factors
  • Embarrassment of being seen in a bathing suit
  • Parents who fear water or are unable to swim can discourage children from learning
  • Drowning incidents, illnesses, or injuries that occurred to family members
  • Negative publicity
  • And previously bad experiences
Using Playground Equipment for Exercise: Did you know that your local playground can also serve as a family-friendly gym? Here are a few playground exercises to help you and your kids get into shape while having a little bit of fun:
  • Hanging Crunches: While gripping the bars or rungs of a horizontal ladder, slowly bring your knees as close to your chest as possible.
    Drop your legs back down and repeat.
    Do this in 2 sets of 10 to start and work yourself up to more.
    Works: Arms and Core Muscle.
  • Swinging Cross Kicks: While swinging on a swing and gripping onto the chains, lift your legs until they are parallel with the ground.
    Alternating one leg over the other being sure to maintain your balance.
    Do this in 2 sets of 10 to start and work yourself up to more.
    Works: Core, Hips, Legs and Balance.
  • Slide Climb: Before starting this exercise, make sure there is no one else using the slide! While holding onto the sides of the slide, run to the top as fast as you can and then slide back down.
    Do this 5 to 15 times, depending on your level of stamina.
    Works: Arms and Legs.
  • Park Bench Dip: While holding the edge of the park bench, sit with your legs slightly extended, knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
    Keep your shoulders back and slide your bottom off the bench.
    Lower your bottom to the ground until your elbows are at a 90° angle.
    Hold this position for approximately 2 seconds.
    Do this in sets of 10 to start and work yourself up to more.
    Works: Triceps.
These convenient full-body workouts will help you tone up in no time.
They can be done along with your children or while your children play on their own.
There are many benefits to working out and allowing your young ones to see you workout.
Kids are more likely to be active if they see you break a sweat every once and a while.
It's time to workout in a way that doesn't feel like work!
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