Swinging into Fitness

When was the last time you swung on a swing? Swinging is so much fun for me and whenever I get a chance, I take a walk to my nearby neighborhood park and hop on one for a few minutes. The euphoric feeling of weightlessness and the breezing air makes me smile and laugh. Swinging combines the exciting combination of freedom while you retain control of how fast or high you want to go on a suspended pendulum.  There is something about living in the moment and doing something that you did in your childhood that really creates an amazing environment for getting in shape and spending time outdoors.

Being intentional with your movement and how you spend your time is an important piece in the puzzle of self-care. Doing things that make you smile ought to happen as often as possible. Using a swing is an effective way to lose weight, tone up and gain strength. There are several exercises that can be done on a swing and using a swing. Pikes, hanging leg lifts and reverse crunches are a few examples of some really intense and effective abdominal moves. You can find videos on YouTube that give great examples and tutorials. Also, swinging for 60 minutes can burn 200 calories.

Next time you get a chance to swing, do it. You will be amazed at the instant feelings that arise. Healthy living comes from not only what you apply topically or internally, but what you physically do to impact your mental and emotional health. That totality of all portions working in synergy is magical. What ever your form of physical activity is, be it power lifting, yoga or couch surfing; get some as often as possible. Combining movement and sunshine has the power to transform your body and soul.