IT'S SUMMER!!!!
A fun time to go outside and PLAY!
Playgrounds aren't just for kids - adults can play also (on weight/size appropriate equipment). Most parks accommodate adults to swing, slide, monkey bars - and more. Not only is it fun, but a workout in disguise. There have been multiple studies suggesting play helps adults be better at "adult-ing." Play enhances creative thinking, problem solving - along with allowing the body to reap the benefits of play with helping our hearts, lungs and organs to function better.
Sometimes the summer means more fun with kiddos, but less time for parents to attend yoga classes. So, I've shown a few ways to incorporate yoga in your playground fun time with your kids. Be sure to wear sunscreen and test the temperature of the equipment before placing sensitive hands and feet where they can be burned. I took along my travel thin yoga mat from Manduka to help with traction on the equipment and alleviate the heat factor.
Playground equipment can help us enhance our yoga postures - Swings aren't just for swinging - which is a lot of fun - but you can also use them to work on your supported backbends -
Wanting to build upper body strength - you can use a slide to Plank - Downward Dog - Standing Splits - and even work on your Handstand!
Most playground equipment has staggered steps you can use to help with arm balances. Using the step for support in Crow and Side Crow helps build strength and stability over time -
On the playground I found, there were lots of options to work on other yoga poses with the equipment - curved bridges help with the splits and side rails help with lifted lunges and hamstring stretches -
These are just a few stretches I found fun to play with at this playground. There are lots of options depending on which area of your body you'd like to work on - there are fun places to work on pigeon variations stretching the hips, bridge or chest expanding exercises for the shoulders - and lots of strength building opportunities to balance on the hands and/or feet.
While I was at the playground, I found a great place to play with my Yoga Trapeze
The yoga trapeze allows the body to work safely on postures without extra tension on the body. I haven't really played a lot on the trapeze, so it was fun to try it out. The swing-set, or the middle of the monkey bars, might be the best option to hang from. The area I attached the trapeze was near a ledge which helped me attach the trapeze more easily - and use the ledge to help with stretches - but be sure to avoid hitting the ledge.
Have fun playing! My friend, Holly, has been finding fun statues and outdoor art to yoga with. There are lots of places to play! I'd love to see your playful poses! You can even include the kids in your yoga fun!
