Three Playground Exercises That Are Great For Adults

Can you remember the last time you did a cartwheel? Or skipped, jumped or climbed without counting reps or glancing at your fitness tracker? And yet children do it all the time, joyfully springing around being active, with no self-consciousness in sight.

Maybe it’s time to embrace your inner child and reframe workouts as playtime. These fun activities all improve your heart health, burn kilojoules, increase stamina and boost your mood, too. Plus, they help develop your core strength for better balance and posture. Try these three exercises to reignite a sense of fun in your fitness.

Hula Hooping

This is a really good low-impact cardio workout as well as an endorphin-boosting activity. Exercise physiologist and nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume suggests a weighted hoop (66fit.com.au has a good selection) over a non-weighted one as it is easier to control and keep spinning for longer. “The heavier the hoop, the more resistance, but also the higher the risk of injury, so start lighter if you’re a beginner,” she advises. “Position your feet slightly wider than your shoulders, keep your core engaged and move your hips in a circular motion to keep moving.”

Why we love hula hooping

It strengthens your core muscles, upper legs and buttocks
It improves joint mobility
It's a low impact-cardio workout

Skipping

Something you once did so effortlessly can be fun again. ‘It’s important to find the right rope length, so step on the rope and make sure the handles reach your armpits," says Kathleen. As you skip, jump on the balls of your feet and don’t get frustrated if you trip – that’s common. Choose between short, intense sessions with complex skills at a higher speed, and longer, low-intensity sessions at a lower speed with more rests.”

Why we love skipping

It's a high-intensity interval (HIIT) workout
Jumping boosts bone mineral density
Skipping improves agility, flexibility and hand-eye-foot coordination.

Trampolining

“Jumping on a trampoline is low impact, so it’s kind to your bones and joints, and it’s a good way to boost your fitness endurance and strengthen your cardiovascular health, as well as relieve stress,” says Kathleen. She recommends a mini trampoline with a handlebar (catch.com.au has a bunch to choose from), which is useful for beginners. “Start with basic movements such as jumping jacks and jogging on the spot, and ensure your weight is on the balls of your feet, not your heels. And keep your back straight, too.”