We just moved into our new house this past weekend so I haven't had a chance to set up my home gym. I needed a break from all the unpacking so I walked over to the neighborhood park for some quick cardio and to check out my park workout options.
Like virtually every neighborhood park I've seen this park has a par course; a walking track with park equipment workout stations and goofy signs for totally outdated exercises that just make no sense.
Most people rarely take advantage of the par course but you can get a serious fat blasting outdoors workout if you stick to more effective exercises than the ones listed on those signs. The best part is your entire family including your pet can join you.
Par Course Workout Circuit
Start with a 5-7 minute walk or jog then head to your first station. The order of the stations is not important so you can modify to fit your park equipment layout.
1. Use the chin-up bar to perform squat jumps to hanging knee raises. Squat, jump to hang from the bar, stabilize your body then curl the knees up towards the waist then lower feet back to ground. Take your time and work on minimizing the swing after you jump up to the bar. Lunge all the way to the next workout station.
2. Use the sit-up deck (platform with bar you tuck your feet under) for incline pushups (feet on floor hands on bar) or elevated pushups (hands on bar feet on deck). Jog to the next workout station.
4. Use the balance posts or step up posts to perform step downs. If there aren't any posts you can go back to the sit-up deck for this one. Balance on one foot and bend the knee as you push butt back a bit. Lower the opposite foot until it hovers over the ground (killer butt toning exercise). Lunge to the next workout station.
Perform about 10-15 reps at each exercise station then repeat the circuit 1-2 more times. You can also modify any of these par course exercises and perform them on the kid's jungle gym equipment. Watch the video for more ideas.
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