Many of us are not as healthy as we would like them to be. This is totally understandable, as we live in an age of fast food and sedentary lifestyles, getting out of the best part of the two-year lockdown caused by the pandemic, and living in an age where meals are delivered at the push of a button, is It’s getting easier to become less active.
The impact of the pandemic on physical health
This means that opportunities for outdoor exercise and play are severely limited for both adults and children. Outdoor fitness equipment and Playground Equipment Unceremoniously removed or tied with rope to prevent use. Children in particular, instead of playing outside with friends, rely on electronic devices for entertainment and communication with the outside world.
This all leads to a thought-provoking thought: According to newly released statistics Commons library, the number of obese children and adults in the UK has risen, with 14.4% of 4- and 5-year-olds classified as obese and 13.3% as overweight. Among 10- and 11-year-olds, the figures were 25.5% and 15.4%, respectively. 28% of adults are obese and another 36.2% are overweight. Even America’s pandemic sports guru Joe Weeks recently admitted to gaining weight!
Now is the time to act
With these shocking statistics in mind, and with better weather (hopefully), what better time to be as a family out looking for a place to use outdoor fitness equipment for everyone? Look for horizontal bars and outdoor pull-up bars in particular, as not only do they provide the most fun for kids and adults, but they also encourage the use of muscles that don’t normally get much exercise, such as the biceps, triceps, and trapezius and Pectoral muscles (shoulders and chest) and improve fine motor skills.
Choose outdoor fitness equipment to exercise all muscles in your body
Cycling is a great all-round exercise that people of all ages can participate in and primarily works the leg muscles. For a more well-rounded workout that improves whole-body muscle tone and overall fitness, and gives you a decent cardiovascular workout, you’ll need to look for some outdoor fitness equipment.
Your local authority or health service may give you this information. Some schools allow their playground equipment to be used off-hours, so it’s worth asking children’s schools for guidance, or you might even consider purchasing your own outdoor gym equipment for a permanent and attractive outdoor gym at home.
How to Use Outdoor Gym Equipment for Best Results
Here are some ideas on how you and your family can use outdoor exercise equipment to build a variety of muscle groups:
· monkey bar – These and other types of climbing frames are great for strengthening the forearms, mid and upper back, and lats (these muscles are located on the outside edges of each shoulder under the arms). You can do pull-ups with the bar to increase arm strength, or by swinging on the bar, you can improve your posture and balance, especially if you’re pulling your abdominal muscles at the same time to strengthen your core.
Stepping Stones – Great for improving your balance and strength in your legs and hips.
Bench Press – Many outdoor gyms will include some form of bench press equipment that allows you to lift weights while sitting or lying down. Parents should be on call at all times to supervise young children.
Obstacle Course – Adults and children can have a lot of fun, especially if there are competing factors involved, such as who can get to the finish first. Maybe parents can set up a little chore for the kids, or if they lose, they could be forfeited!
Deepen family bonds by exercising together
Let’s face it, both kids and adults, we all need encouragement, especially when it comes to sports. Children who exercise alone or with friends are often distracted, more likely to be glued to their phones, and may feel insecure about using outdoor gym equipment properly. Come to think of it, some adults might do the same.
So how can a mom or dad motivate themselves and their kids to get outside and exercise? Fear not, there are several ways to make fitness fun for the whole family.
· Reconnect with nature. The pandemic has taught us all the value of listening to birds singing in the woods. Many local parks now place outdoor fitness equipment in the greenest parts of the park, or you can even have some in your own garden. Exercising in fresh air can improve physical and mental health.
·encourage each other. Words of encouragement, or even a small bribe, can help you keep going, which is doubly important for young children who may find their attention distracted and motivation diminished.
· Competition. Turning your workout into a game-winning game might inadvertently set goals and show you what you’re capable of, while hitting your siblings, parents, or kids can distract you!
Remember, the path to a healthy mind and body starts with a commitment to being active, so why not shake off the pandemic and start planning your new healthier lifestyle today.
