Revisiting the Playground


Flashback to those endless summer days when the ring of the ice cream truck or a game of hide-and-seek meant dropping everything. We were unwitting fitness buffs, sprinting across lawns and leaping over hedges. Those were the glory days when we thought we were simply having a blast playing hard and "working out" was not part of our vocabulary. Let's reignite that spark and infuse today's fitness routine with the same unbridled joy.



Why Childhood Games?


Childhood games are the unsung heroes of fitness. They combine bursts of high-intensity activity with pure, unadulterated fun—something our adult exercise routines often lack. Plus, revisiting these games as adults can rekindle that joy of movement and offer a much-needed emotional lift.

Tag - You’re Fit


Tag – You’re Fit!


Tag was the unofficial sprint training of our youth. As adults, it's still as thrilling and can be a fantastic way to get your heart pumping. Try variations like partner tag, where you and a friend chase each other in intervals, or group tag games that add a social element to your workouts.


Hopscotch

Hopscotch: The Ultimate Agility Trainer


Hopscotch isn't just for chalk and sidewalks—it's a prime agility workout. Use tape to make a grid indoors or on a patio and add fitness challenges in each square. Think burpees, push-ups, or quick feet drills—suddenly, you're not just hopping; you're building an athletic powerhouse!

Red Rover: The Comeback


Though we may not be forming human chains and running recklessly into them, we can still capture the spirit of Red Rover. Adapt it into a workout with a line of resistance bands. Work with partners to 'break through' with high-knees or shuffle side-to-side for a full-body workout that emphasizes teamwork.


Capture the Flag: Cardio Quest


Bring back Capture the Flag, and you've got yourself a game that's all about strategy and speed. Turn your local park into a battlefield for two teams. Sprinting to capture flags and dashing back to your home base is the perfect way to mix up your running routine.


Dodgeball


Dodgeball: Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and... Dodge!


Who said dodgeball was just for gym class? This game is tailor-made for interval training. Dodge soft medicine balls thrown by a partner or against a rebounder. You'll improve agility, reflexes, and have a blast while you're at it.


Jump rope

Jump Rope Jamboree


Jump rope was once the heart of the playground, and it's time to bring it back. It's excellent for cardio and can be easily scaled from solo skipping to Double Dutch with friends. Set up a jump rope challenge or incorporate it into circuit training for a dose of childhood glee.

Kickball

Kickball Craze


Kickball combines the strategy of baseball with the excitement of soccer and, best of all, it's perfect for all fitness levels. Rally a group for a game, or practice your kicks solo against a wall. Either way, you're in for a workout that's as fun as it is effective.

Simon Says: Stretch and Flex


Remember the power of 'Simon Says'? Use it for a stretching routine where 'Simon' commands you to hit yoga poses or dynamic stretches. It's a playful way to ensure you get a full range of motion and keep your flexibility workouts engaging.


Marbles

Marbles: A Twist on Target Practice


Think of Marbles as the ultimate precision test. For an adult twist, swap the marbles for medicine balls and aim at targets to work on your throwing accuracy. It's a low-impact activity that still challenges your coordination and focus.

Make Fitness Fun Again

Making Fitness Fun Again


By repurposing these childhood favorites into our adult exercise routines, we can reignite our passion for staying active. Mixing fun with fitness isn't just possible—it's essential for a sustainable and enjoyable wellness journey.


Share and Connect


What games did you love as a kid? How would you turn them into a workout? Drop your ideas and experiences in the comments, and let's inspire each other to make fitness fun again!







If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.

This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.


Want in?

You’re invited to join my newsletter, 
Finding What Works—a weekly-ish note from me with practical wellness tips, nostalgic nods for GenX souls, and honest reflections from someone who’s still figuring it all out (but loves sharing the good stuff along the way).

This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.

 Click here to subscribe and come along for the ride. I’d love to have you in my corner.

Have a question or something to share?

0 Comments

Leave a Comment




Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there! I’m a GenX empty-nester - and recent widow - who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products we used growing up. Our parents didn’t know, and honestly, we were clueless too. But now, I’m all about sharing the details and helping others kick those sneaky chemicals to the curb for a healthier, happier life. 🌿

Life threw us a curveball in 2018 when my amazing husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia. And then a second type of cancer in 2023.  Supporting him through his treatments was challenging, but it also inspired us to make some positive changes. We embraced holistic wellness practices, worked to transform our home into a toxin-free sanctuary, and incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation, music therapy, and aromatherapy into our daily routine.

Caring for and supporting Eric deepened my commitment to living well. From choosing natural products and prioritizing nutritious foods to finding strength in vulnerability, we built a daily routine focused on positivity and wellness. 

I’m passionate about sharing our story, the lessons we learned, and the simple steps we took to enhance our overall well-being.


Creating a Nurturing Space Together

We focused on creating a nurturing environment where both of us could thrive. It was a process of resilience, love, and continuous learning that I'm determined to carry forward from here. I’m eager to share our experiences, the lessons we picked up along the way, and the small changes that made a big difference in our lives. Whether you’re looking to make minor adjustments or dive into a complete wellness transformation, I hope our story can inspire and support you on your own path.

Here’s to embracing change, supporting each other, and living our best lives—together! ✨

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including AJ Flanagan.