The playground workout for grown-ups

Shape, May, 2007 by Gabrielle Gayagoy

Don't jog past that swing set and slide--use them for a few toning moves, says Stefan Aschan, a personal trainer with Strength 123 in New York City. Do 2 or 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

LAT PULL WORKS BACK AND ARMS

Lie underneath a swing so seat is even with chest, and hold on to chains near base of seat with each hand. Lift hips and straighten arms (elbows soft) so body is aligned from head to heels [A]. Lift chest toward seat by drawing elbows to rib cage [B]. Straighten arms and repeat.

HIP EXTENSION WORKS LOWER BACK AND BUTT

Lie facedown with your torso on a picnic table so hip bones are right at the edge yet still supported on the table; grasp sides of the table to keep torso still [A]. Keeping legs straight and together, lift them until they're parallel to the ground [B]. Lower legs and repeat.

REVERSE CRUNCH WORKS ABS

Lie faceup on a slide (head higher than feet) and hold on to the edges on either side of your head, elbows and knees bent. Keeping abs pulled tight and legs together, raise knees over hips [A]. Using abs only, draw knees toward chest [B]. Lower to starting position and repeat.