How to Do a Super Fun Resistance Workout

If you are tired of the same old exercise routine, try a change of venue. Workout in the Park. If you have a park near you, take advantage of its location, fresh air and inviting scenery to invigorate your workout.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. USE HAPPY TRAILS: Use the trails and paths to jog or take a brisk walk. Start with a deep breath of the clean air. Bask for a moment in the sunshine, enjoying the sun's warmth, letting it give you Vitamin D, an important nutrient for the body. Are there flowers in bloom on the trail? Stop for a minute, check your pulse and smell the flowers. This will perk you up to go the distance. Decide on a distance you want to go for your cardio workout, complete that goal, then slow down and take time to enjoy the scenery on the way back.

2. 
    
   Resistance Workout

   CHOOSE A WORKOUT COURSE: This can be done either before or after your jog or walk. Use the trees and things in the landscape to help you tone your muscles with a few resistance exercises. Find places where the views are interesting, or the flowers are blooming and giving off a delicious scent. Hold all of these positions for a count of 10, before going to the next task.

3. RESIST THE TREE: Stand facing a tree, about 10 inches away from the trunk. Reach your arms straight out above your head. Place your hands on the tree, palms towards the tree. Press gently with your palms as if you are trying to move the tree. Then, turn to the left side. Reach your right arm over your head placing your palm on the tree and press against the tree, gently as before. Switch sides and repeat. If there is a sturdy branch at the right height, stand under the branch, reach up with your arms extended and press your palms against the branch. Press gently upward, as if you are trying to raise the branch.

4. 
    
   Resistance Workout

   DO PARK BENCH RESISTANCE: Sitting on the edge of a park bench or low wall, lift your legs and stretch them out straight. Place your palms on your knees and press slightly. Resist with your legs.

5. RESIST INSIDE OUT: Still on the park bench, in a sitting position with your feet on the ground, place your palms flat on the inside of your knees. Press them gently outwards while resisting with your legs. Do the same thing from the outside of your knee, trying to press your knees together, while your legs resist the inward pressure.

6. PUSH ME PULL YOU: Find a fragrant bush or shrub to stand next to. Breathe in the wonderful fragrance of the flowers while you do this exercise. Grasp your hands together in front of you with the fingers of one hand hooked over the fingers of your other hand. Gently try to pull your hands apart, while resisting being pulled apart at the same time. Now, grasp your hands together with the palms together. Push gently against each other, trying to move both hands past the other, while both resist the other.

7. ENJOY THE PARK: When you are finished, make sure you take a few minutes to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, the changing of the seasons, the laughter of children at play. It will make you want to come back again and again for a resistance workout.

[dazedaze]

on 7/1/2009 wow, i feel relaxed just reading this...hahaha... i agree with champ, this is uplifting... thanks for sharing