How to work out like a kid

Our guest writer Louise Robertson is back to tell us how to get fit in a very childish way…

With uniform tracksuits pounding away on rows of neatly spaced treadmills, you could be forgiven for thinking the gym is a meeting place for pre-programmed robots.

OK, the gym does work and you get results if you put in the effort, but when did it all get so… well, grown up and boring?

Why not mix it up a bit? Exercise like a kid and have fun at the same time. No, there isn’t a catch, just hours of potentially hilarious, reminiscent, fat burning fun.

1. Cycling

They say you never forget how to ride a bike so why not put this theory to the test? Brave the spiders lurking in the garage and dig out the bicycle that thought it would never see the light of day again.

Bribe a friend into joining you on a bike ride and make a day of it, visiting the local sites - avoiding the token pub that they put on every cycle path as a cruel temptation.

Cycling is a fabulous exercise for toning and is also gentle on the joints so is great for breaking you in slowly. Tip: wearing a thong on an epic bike ride is never going to be a good idea.

2. Playground

Visit the playground. You may feel a little silly at first but it’s exhilarating to rediscover your inner child. Who knew bouncing up and down on a see-saw or swinging across monkey bars could be such hard work?

Other playground activities are great workouts too. Skipping is good for speed, stamina and co-ordination. Skipping ropes are no longer the tatty, frayed examples that sat limply in the school gym cupboard. They’ve evolved into futuristic contraptions and are now available with built in weights and counters.

Hopscotch, believe it or not, can burn upwards of 150 calories in 30 minutes. Maybe get a child to join in with you on this one to avoid looking completely bonkers!

Frisbee can be loads of fun. Once the sun comes out, grab a few friends and head to the local park. Don’t cheat, ensure you make an effort to run and stretch for every throw in order to get the full benefit. Model a plastic sun visor to really take you back.

3. Skating

Another favourite childhood activity that got lost amongst paperwork and promotions is roller blading. It’s an excellent aerobic activity to get the heart going and your bum and legs will thank you for it.

Many places offer skate hire and even crash courses. Once you get good enough to stop falling flat on your face, you might even pick up a hunky skating partner.

Continuing the skating theme, roller discos are so corny they’re cool. Whizzing round the room to flashing lights and retro music is so much fun and a much healthier option than a night down the pub with a bag of pork scratchings!

Get the girlies together, whip out your 70s gear and get yourself out there! Visit this site for a list of skating rinks across the UK.

4. Climbing trees

Why not get back to your roots by climbing some trees? It’s not an activity that’s exclusive to Michael Jackson. It’s something anyone can do and is great for toning the upper torso and working muscle groups that are often forgotten about.

Go Ape is a high wire adventure above the forest floor which is a great family activity if you are looking for something a little different. Cross rope bridges and tackle zip wires whilst giving your muscles a work out. Visit www.goape.co.uk to find your nearest location.

5. Enjoy yourself!

There are so many ways to behave like a kid and get a work out at the same time. Things you wouldn’t even think of as calorie burning activities can be just that. Building sandcastles, handstands, making snowmen, even digging out the space hopper are all ways to get exercise without it becoming dull and repetitive.

Whatever you chose to do the important thing to remember is KEEP IT FUN. One of the most effective ways to keep the heart young is to stay young at heart so don’t suppress your inner kid, let it run wild!

Pics: Morguefile