Buzz
As a parent, I've mentally mapped out numerous playgrounds in my vicinity—identifying the closest, the most shaded on sunny days, and those with equipment suitable for younger children. However, acquiring this knowledge takes time and observation.
A few readers reached out to inform me about an app that simplifies this process: Playground Buddy. It helps you find nearby playgrounds. Some are simply marked on a map, while others include photos and detailed information on available equipment. While it doesn’t go into enough detail to show which have the best monkey bars, it does provide useful insights, such as the type of surface beneath the play equipment and whether there are bathrooms nearby.
Of course, the app isn’t limited to workouts. You can also use it to find playgrounds suitable for family fun, or ideally, a place where your kids can play while you exercise. (If you're without kids and prefer a solo workout, early mornings or late evenings work best, or simply opt for a less-popular, secluded playground.)
What can you do if you still can’t find a playground with the equipment you’re looking for? Here are some alternative exercises you can perform on a park bench or any object of similar height:
Bench dips, with your palms on the bench and feet planted on the ground.
Step-ups or box jumps to target your quads.
Bulgarian split squats, with one foot positioned behind you on the bench. These challenging leg exercises are fantastic for improving balance.
Feel free to get creative with these exercises. For instance, try bench dips with one foot lifted, sideways step-ups, or swap the jump in burpees for a box jump. Don’t forget to share your favorite playground workout moves in the comments below this month.
