Self Feb. 2012

Self magazine urges readers to get outside — and work out once we’re there.

When you’re at the park with the kids, you basically have two choices: You can sit on a park bench and watch them slide and swing and laugh. Or, you can use that bench to burn some calories and tone a few muscles.

The February issue of Self magazine offers up two bench workouts: One is designed to utilize the weight bench in the gym and the other uses a park bench in the great outdoors. With the sunshine and blue sky we’ve been experiencing in Austin, the outdoor version of the workout has me wanting to get outside and give it a try.

Self magazine illustrates each move in full-color photographs and detailed descriptions. The workout includes moves like Going in Circles, which works the arms, abs, glutes and thighs; and the Flying Ace, which focuses on the shoulders and back.

If “I don’t have time” is one of your go-to excuses for not getting into shape, this quick workout blows it out of the water. If you have time to take the kids to the park, you have time to work out while you’re there. Two birds, one stone!