We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing
- George Bernard Shaw

Now that the weather is finally improving around here, I'm spending more time outside for exercise. But then, that's the natural cycle isn't it?

All animals (in the northern hemisphere) take a break in the winter to conserve energy while food is scarce and the weather is dangerous, but then shift into high gear once those two elements reverse in the spring and summer.

I always find that the easiest way to ramp my own activity level is to incorporate more "play" into my work outs. Whether it's climbing trees or on and around the play structures in the local parks, I find it invigorating to the body and mind to get away from the predictability of the gym and just improvise with whatever is available to me in that moment.

Playgrounds are excellent for two reasons; 1) there's endless variety for improvising pushing and pulling (try doing these using the swing set for example), squats, lunges, etc. and 2) you have to get up early to beat the 4-year-olds to all the cool equipment.

Get outside and play! (you can tell people you're working out)

Need some ideas? Click here to see some folks getting outside to train. Check out my friend Tyson in the black tank top. The guy hasn't lifted a weight in years (with the exception of his pet rock he took along for the run in this video) and has built a phenomenal physique with just body weight exercise.