Playground workouts

When my nephew, Xander, is here, I like to spend time with him. He's 8 and of course, he's a boy.  I don't have a clue how to play with boys.  He like to play Mario-anything.  I hate video games with a purple passion.  You see the problem?

But this time, he decided he wanted to go to the park.  There is so much to do at the park to help you with figure skating and staying in shape.  He's a great personal trainer.  And it's a lot more fun than just following along with an exercise video. 

There's a lot of things you can do at a park.  My favorites are the slides: you have to go up to come down.  And coming down is so much fun!  The Renegade Health Show has a fun playground workout.

From a skating perspective, look for . . .

• Activities that involve balance - balance beams, curbs, log rolls, etc
• Climbing - any climbing will help increase strength in your legs
• Exercises that involve twisting to help with those jumps and spins
• Use the jungle gyms and ladders for stretching

But, mostly just look for things that are fun to do.  That way it won't seem like a workout.