Pump Those Legs: How You Can Swing to Improve Fitness

By Brandi Swieter  

Swinging is much more than a childhood pastime done during school recess and on the playground at the park. Adults can use swinging as a way to enhance their fitness routine and get their blood flowing. The act of swinging requires core strength and can increase strength in other areas of the body as well. Anyone hoping to improve their fitness routine should give swinging a try.

Leg Strengthening

Pumping the legs in and out over and over to make the swing move requires a lot of strength. The more a person does this for exercise, the stronger their legs will become. Develop lean leg muscles, particularly in the thighs, by swinging regularly.

Core Strengthening

A strong core is even more necessary for swinging than strong legs. After all, it is the core of the body that is required to hold the body upright as the legs get extended and the swing sways back and forth. The more a person swings, the more they are strengthening and developing their core and working to create abs.

Trying Special Swing Exercises

The act of pumping the legs back and forth and swinging in general is already great exercise. If you’re looking for a more advanced workout, however, then some special swing exercises will be even better. Sit on the swing as normal and hold the chains tightly. Lift your weight as much as you can and hold yourself in place. This will strengthen the arms tremendously. You can also sit on your knees or stand on the swing and force it to sway to target the core more than before.

Burning Calories

A full hour of swinging can burn around 200 calories for an average-sized person. Swing more vigorously or try incorporating the special exercises to help burn even more. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after this workout routine to keep the body hydrated and able to burn calories efficiently.

Swinging does much more than help people get fit. It offers a boost in mood as people swing their stress away and feel at ease in the world for even just a short time. Being outdoors is already a huge mood booster. Add the act of swinging, and the exercise it provides, and people are very likely to see an improvement in their overall mental health and well-being. Spend more time swinging to see the benefits.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Phoenix, Ariz.

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