How do you exercise with a playground swing? It's simple really.
By Karen Goeller, CSCS
How do you exercise with a swing? It's simple really...
Swing Set Fitness programs are definitely not your typical exercise programs. Swing Set Fitness is an exercise method using a playground swing as the gym equipment. It offers total body conditioning that is fun, fast, and effective.
We all know that certain movements activate muscles in specific areas of our body. For example, the push-up involves the chest and arms. Well, many of these movements, sometimes body weight exercises (push-up) or those with the use of a stability ball can be performed with a swing. Many traditional exercises transfer easily to the swing, but there are also many exercises that were gymnastic drills Karen Goeller assigned to her gymnasts for strength that can help the average fitness enthusiast.
All major muscle groups can be targeted, the legs, shoulders, chest, back, arms, and the core. Many of the exercises involve the core in addition to another area so the mid section is getting a great deal of exercise during each workout. For example, with the chest and shoulder exercises, the shins are resting on the swing while the hands are on the ground. Just supporting oneself in that position involves the core muscles. Add a push up or a rocking motion to involve the upper body and now many different muscles are involved simultaneously. The compound movements are the reason that Swing Set Fitness is so effective. Many exercises can be performed in a variety of ways to accommodate beginners as well as the more advanced fitness enthusiast. An example is a leg exercise, the squat motion. The beginner can rest their upper back on the swing and lean back to perform the squat while the more advanced fitness enthusiast can hold the chains and lean back to perform the same squat motion. The fact that there are so many different exercises in Swing Set Fitness make it an exercise method that is appropriate for beginners through advanced. Either way, Swing Set Fitness offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for those participating. The fitness enthusiast can lose weight, tone, and gain strength. Results vary depending upon how the exercises are combined, whether for weight loss or for strength. Since this is an enjoyable method of exercise, it is the perfect way to get kids involved in exercise. If a child enjoys exercise, chances are, they will continue to enjoy exercise for life. And a friendly reminder, always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Since many people are unsure how to use a swing for exercise I have written three Swing Set Fitness books. All three Swing Set Fitness books are loaded with photos and explanations. The reader is guided through exercises and workouts that will be both time efficient and useful. These books are perfect for beginners through advanced because there are workouts that help the beginner start slowly while the advanced readers can be challenged with more difficult workouts. The books are available through www.SwingSetFitness.com and all major book retailers.
Karen Goeller, CSCS
Karen Goeller
www.KarenGoeller.com (Bio)
www.GymnasticsStuff.com (Apparel, Gifts, Training Programs, Books, etc.)
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