Park Bench Outdoor Workout Circuit
At a park near school, groups design and complete a strength and endurance circuit using benches, steps, low railings and trees as equipment. Students work on functional strength, the independence to train around town and using public spaces responsibly.
How to play
- When you arrive at the park (3 minutes), walk the class through what can and cannot be used (playground equipment, drinking fountains, landscaped areas).
- Form groups of 5; each picks 2 park features and proposes 2 safe exercises (bench dips, step-ups, incline push-ups, tree-assisted squats) on a worksheet. 5 minutes.
- You approve the exercises and set up a 10-station circuit with everyone's proposals.
- Run the circuit: 40 seconds of work and 20 to switch stations, in pairs or groups of three, completing 2 full rounds. 20 minutes.
- During the first round, each group gives a 10-second explanation of its exercise when another group starts at its station.
- Finish with a 2-minute discussion on how to use a neighborhood park for weekend workouts.
Rules
- No swings, slides or anything in the kids' playground.
- Before leaning on a bench or railing, make sure it is stable and dry.
- Make way for the public and do not take over a bench if someone wants to sit.
Variations
Easier
Use 6 stations with 30 seconds of work and 30 of rest.
Standard
Ten 40-second stations with 20-second switches and 2 rounds.
Harder
Do 3 rounds and add a 100-yard run between rounds.
Adaptations
- For a student in a wheelchair, include chair dips, band rows anchored to a tree and throws, with stations on firm ground.
- For students with autism, share a worksheet with photos of the park and the circuit beforehand to preview the setting.
- Students with lower fitness choose the more supported version of each exercise (push-ups with hands higher, step-ups without a jump).
Learning goals
- Design safe strength exercises using park features.
- Complete a high-intensity circuit with good technique.
- Use public spaces respectfully for physical activity.
Equipment for a class of 25
- worksheets: 5
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
You need off-campus permission slips, and it is a good idea to notify the parks department if the group is large. Check the park the day before for construction, broken glass or damaged benches.
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