workout vs playout

why do children just play while adults workout? let’s use the lens of form, feel and function to explore further on why you want to workout? and why don't you want to play instead?

form: children don’t care about the aesthetics of how they look and how their body appeal to others in terms of attractiveness. adults want to look a certain way and train to accentuate certain parts while hiding others

feel: this is paramount for children as the movements they play with, evoke different moods and feelings. adults also select activities on the basis of how good it makes them feel. eg. running, spinning, heavy lifting, hiit, etc all trigger different ‘feels’

function: children discover function serendipitously through play while adults train towards a specific function in mind as a stepping point towards a larger goal or even as an end game in itself.

considering these perspectives, let’s convert the regular regime based, outcome oriented workout into a principle based, experience focused playout

form: rather than focus on the ideal human form as advertised by the fitness and advertising industry complex. let’s sketch out the form you desire, independent of what the world says you ought to look like. and answer the question - why do you want to look that way?

how much of that answer is based on fear (eg. fear of being ridiculed) and how much is desire driven (eg. looking to get laid)? based on the answer, keep iterating that ideal form you seek based on your current ability, genetic heritage and willingness to work

feel: how do you want to feel post playing? want to feel hyped or calm - choose the game based on that. match movement to mood. eg. bouncing on a trampoline will make you feel just as bubbly. digging in and pushing the wall with all you got will make you feel determined

my daughter just turned four. everything is a game to her. cant even get her to tell me how her school day went

so how can we actually play? let’s explore basic directional forces and orientation. we can push forward, pull backward, jump upward, fall downward, roll forward and backward, invert upside down, etc.

pace is another factor to explore. hurry like a hummingbird or lumber like a sloth, or alternate between the two. somedays you may set a scorching pace, somedays you may be languid and laze. just remember to move to the groove

duration is yet another factor that can be played with. the bane of our times is not just the lack of movement, but the duration of immobility. very often we workout vigorously and intensely, and still spend majority of our time sitting at a desk, on a couch and in a car

so tiny bursts of playful ecstatic activity spread out through the course of a day may actually be more beneficial than one intense workout endured grudgingly or forceably at one go. your mood during the activity is as important as the resultant mood post the activity

one way to play is to select low floor high ceiling exercises. something like a squat can be as basic as getting up from a chair to an advanced one legged pistol squat. play is always unpredictable and asymmetrical

balance is a wonderful attribute to play with. any exercise or workout can be made playful by fucking with balance. it also challenges your vestibular system making it not only physically more demanding but also cognitively challenging

being on four limbs is easier than two, yet adults scoff at the idea unlike children who prefer quadrupedal to bipedal play. try to walk around on all fours, sit on your haunches, mimic animal movements.. maybe make animal sounds for extra fun?

back to the basics. think of movement through the lens of energy. a chest workout can be seen as push play. push a heavy object around, maybe a couch, maybe even a wall (counts even if the wall doesn't move) or better still a tree!

similarly you can throw a rope around any heavy object and pull it toward you. even if it's the tree that refuses to budge. isometrics is unappealing since adults crave optics of visibly moving an object across time and space. but it's effective, fun and safe!

rotational energy is the least used amongst adults. just grab an lift and object, move it from left to right & vice versa. or just imagine you're a spy and alternatively look over your shoulder in case you're being chased!

induce play into activity through imagination. adults tend to visualise that sexy summer bod they want. instead visualise the process you're playing with. imagine being chased by a komodo dragon next time you sprint! or that you're a sumo wrestler when you squat :)

clambering is an activity that all children enjoy. try clambering over objects in your house, backyard, at the park, anywhere. don't get arrested clambering over a neighbour's car. if you do, sit on your haunches while you wait to get bailed out!

running has become the defacto adult workout. but what are you running away from or chasing? playing tag instead would involve both energies, not to mention make it a live experience with another player. find a tag buddy, not a running partner

bouncing & swinging bring such joy, so why aren't adults doing more of it? get a tiny trampoline and bounce on it the next time you reach for a coffee. you can also use a skipping rope for the same effect. also a pull-up bar to simply swing instead of hoisting yourself each time

take bite-sized playtime breaks through the day & juggle around any, many or all of the possibilities of movement potential. 10x 3min 'playouts' are more fun than a solid 30 min workout. let fun based play guide you instead of fear based workout

even if you're looking for elite performance, give this paradigm shift a chance. maybe you'll discover playful possibilities you'd not explored before, and might be as effective if not more than your regular routine?

if you're a rank beginner and are scared to explore the unknown without credible support, spend time observing children and animals at play. over time, mimic the movements that seem safest and simplest. let fun guide you, not fear.

if you're injured and are recovering, play with minuscule movements like Beatrix wiggling her big toe in Kill Bill. if you infuse fun into the rehab process, your uplifted spirits will probably help you heal faster. how can a rehab routine be more playful?

workouts can induce more mindfulness as you're acutely conscious of each aspect of the movement, while play can be more helpful towards losing that self-consciousness that hinders natural movement & expression.

none of this is medical or expert advice, but a reminder that your body is a playground. explore mood & movement to realise that your mind is a part of this playground too. or maybe your body & mind are playmates in this playground of exploration of self

the exhilaration & exultation of playing together, helps complete the unity of body, mind and spirit; the effortless harmony that every child takes for granted and every adult craves desperately. ready to play?

!quoted by reddy2go