Movement is Medicine: Moving like a Kid

Think about any playground you’ve ever been at. There’s kids running around everywhere, laughing, playing, and having a good time. They didn’t go there because they wanted to workout and exercise, and yet, through the natural movements of climbing, swinging, balancing, jumping, and chasing, they are doing just that

Somewhere along the way, we stopped playing at parks, saying that we “outgrew” them. While that may be the case, all the movements involved in this playground fun have the capacity to keep our bodies young, healthy, and mobile.

All this is to say, don’t always feel like to have to endure another painful treadmill workout. Sometimes, playing with your kids and reclaiming your inner child at a playground can provide you with another great option to getting a good workout in!

Why Kids Move Differently

When we’re kids, we don’t track our steps, build a program, or schedule our workouts. We just explore, run around, chase our friends, and have fun. The best part is that we developed each of strength, balance, cardio, and coordination everyday on the playground without even thinking or caring about it.

Additionally, as opposed to the common repetitive exercises that we often use I our workouts, kids build strength all over their body, in places that our basic squats, pushups, and deadlifts may miss. All the unique positions, turning, twisting, climbing, and more, put their body in an endless amount of positions that then allow them to be strong and injury free when the unexpected falls or accidents come about!

What the Playground Actually Trains

Let’s look at some of the most classic playground equipment and games and how they build strength:

Monkey bars / climbing structures — grip strength, shoulder mobility, upper-body pulling
Swings — core control, rhythm, balance training
Slides & ladders — coordination, spatial awareness, controlled falling
Running & tag games — cardio, agility, quick direction changes

How to Implement This Into Your Routine

Now, I’m not saying that your workout routine is useless, or that you should just throw it all out and be a full time “playgrounder.” What I am saying is that it’s not a bad idea to move around like a kid again every so often!

Whether it be at an actual park with your kids, or simply translating some park-like movements into your existing-workouts, you’ll strengthen your body in numerous, previously unfamiliar positions that allow you to minimize injury risk down the road. Starting where you’re comfortable and bringing movements like this into your routine even once a week can change how your body feels.

Closing Thought

So, the next time you’re dreading the same old workout you’ve been doing, try taking your kids to a park, play with them, and move like a kid again! Keep that body young and injury free for as long as possible! Not only is it great for your body, but your kids will love it too!

Now, go win the day, and become a healthier YOU!