Simple Exercises for a Great Playground Workout

By Elly McGuinness

A playground workout can provide a fun and effective fitness solution.  Playground equipment provides countless opportunities to get in your cardiovascular (‘huffy puffy’) activity as well as your resistance (‘muscle’) exercises.  And playground fitness can be a lot of fun…the kids will probably think so too!

Today I highlight three simple exercises that can get you started for a great playground workout.

The written part of this blog simply lists and describes three exercises to get you started on your playground workout. If you’d like a few more ideas, check out the playground workout video below.

1. Modified Chin-ups

Main muscle groups worked: Back, rear shoulders and front of arms.

Find a playground bar at an appropriate level.  The lower the bar, the harder it will be. Hold onto the bar with two hands – either over or underhand grip is fine, and bring your legs underneath the bar.

Keep shoulders drawn back and down, and tummy pulled in strong. Pull yourself up to the bar, aiming to get the chin above the bar and puff the chest out towards the bar. Lower back to the start position with control. If you need a bit more assistance, you can use the legs to do some of the drive to the top of the movement.

As your strength progresses you can attempt a full chin-up – choose a bar that you can completely hang from. Even just hanging from a bar will prove a good challenge for the hands, arms, and shoulders to begin with.

Modified chin-ups

2. Bench Step-Ups

Main muscle groups worked: Legs and buttocks. This exercise includes cardiovascular as well as resistance components.

Start by standing on the floor in front of a park bench. Step one foot up, all the way onto the bench, then the other, then step back down 1 foot at a time. You can either step the first foot, tap the second foot, step the 2nd foot down, and then the first foot.  Or you can step up 1st foot, 2nd foot, 1st foot down, 2nd foot down.

Bench step-up playground exercise - down position
Bench step-up playground exercise - up position

3. Tricep Dips on Bench

Main muscle groups worked: chest, front of shoulders, back of arms.

Start with your hands on the bench and feet on the floor. Hands are shoulder distance apart and facing forward, and feet are hip distance apart. Shoulders are drawn back and down, and your buttocks should be close to the bench.

Extend the legs in front for a more advanced version

Lower body down by letting your elbows bend back, and then push back to the top. Elbows should stay close (shoulder distance) throughout.

Tricep dips on bench

Start with ten repetitions of each exercise. Repeat for two sets if you are feeling energetic. Always refer to a qualified exercise professional for advice on technique and to determine an appropriate progression for your individual fitness level.

If you have a TRX suspension trainer you can take it to the park with you. There are endless TRX exercises that you can do at the playground. Check out these effective TRX exercises that work and stretch your back.

By the way, if you liked these simple ideas for a great playground workout, don’t miss out! Grab my free bodyweight workout pdf with seven exercises you can do anytime, anywhere. Do them at the playground, at home or the beach…or anywhere! No equipment is needed and there are three progression levels for each exercise so you can choose the one that suits you.

This should get you started on a great playground workout.  What are your favorite playground workout exercises? have you tried these ones out? I’d love for you to tell me, so please leave a comment in the box below!

More ‘anywhere’ fitness articles you might enjoy…

You can also do any body weight exercises as part of your playground workout.  A squat is a good one to start with. Maybe you can find a buddy to bring along to make it more fun! Find out more about outdoor fitness.

For more online fitness advice, check out some of my other exercise blog posts. You might enjoy this comprehensive guide to resistances bands, which includes two full workouts! Otherwise, have a read of this article about how to incorporate gymnastics training into your workout. Gymnastics is a superb full-body workout that’s not just for kids. And if you’re into playground workouts then it’s likely you’ll enjoy a bit of bodyweight gymnastics training too:-)

playground workout

playground workout

Did you enjoy this blog? Have you been inspired by any of my other content such as my social posts or videos? Did you know you can now ‘Buy Me A Coffee‘! Just click the button and express your gratitude however you see fit.

Related Posts You May Also Like

How about sharing your own thoughts?

What actions might you take next? What questions do you have?

Leave a comment below to let me know what you think of this post.

Elly McGuinness

2 Comments
  1. Allie

    Love love love it! I’m all about fitness in motherhood with the littles. Really creative ideas of the playground. Keep it up!

    Reply
Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.