Fit Villains: Selfish, Shameless, Sassy, Fitness.

Ahhhhhh, cartwheels! A forgotten fav!

These were SOOOO much fun to add into my workout PLAYout today! Still got it too! By the end I was busting out some seriously gorgeous round offs! #tootingmyownhorn

Note: not for everyone! Use your judgment (& crash mats) if it’s been awhile!

As I was laboriously flipping about today, I couldn’t help thinking how EASY IT WAS to spend hours ‘playing’ when I was a kid. Hours running, jumping, flipping, skipping etc. 100 cartwheels at age 8 was nothing. 100 cartwheels at almost 30? A FEAT OF EPIC PROPORTIONS, lol.

I like to play when I workout, as much as possible (I play HARD y’all). Finding things that are fun to do, turning it into a game and letting loose are MY keys to staying fit and enjoying what I do so much.

Came up with a few ideas from my childhood that can help you have more fun with your workouts this summer!

Childhood ‘Play’ ideas to help you have more fun with your workouts.

1. Skip its. I made my own D.I.Y model after a dollar store version crapped out on me (you get what you pay for!). Used an old pair of tights, stretched them out and knotted them with a loop for my ankle. Put a hole through a rubber ball (bigger than a tennis ball and about 1-2lbs) and threaded the fabric through, tying it on the end. Kinda genius. You can also find cheap quasi-versions here .

2. Hop Scotch. Got chalk? Agility drills, speed work, footwork etc. Plus, ya know, FUN. See games & patterns here.

3. Jump rope. Still working on getting back to my 8 year old skipping level, but getting a great workout even when I mess up. I used to jump rope all the time and it NEVER felt as hard as it does now. How long has it been since you’ve payed double dutch? Grab a few friends (or tie one end to a tree) and play.

4. Hula Hoopin’. Making your own? The hoops need to be weighted slightly, but a little sand and some duct tape can turn a cheap hoop into a fun tool. Around the legs & arms is a great way to add some resistance training too! You can also opt to buy a weighted hula hoop for an extra burn this summer!

5. Red Light, Green light. Such a fun game! Speed intervals anyone? (Once we get outside, this is gonna be WICKED with my bootcamp. Instructors - try ‘red light’ in a squat hold). Never played? Instructions here.

6. Monkey bars. Easy, right? Not so much! Trying to get from one end to the other is tough stuff when you’re big. Great upper body work. If you just wanna hang there, some leg raises can help that core too!

The SKY’s the limit when you pull out your inner child!

Any other ideas for how to add a little more PLAY into your workout?