As Seattle wrapped its warmest January ever, I have been taking advantage of the warmer than usual temps to take my clients to one of the many neighborhood parks for training.

Not only is it a great change of pace, but the novelty creates more of a challenge for the nervous system, the slightly cooler weather keeps you moving a bit faster, and being outside just makes you HAPPIER and MORE KIDLIKE.

I think we have a great park system here, but only recently did I discover the Park Finder feature on the city of Seattle web site. You can search by feature, zip code, or see all area parks. I love it to find out where there are ball parks for sprinting or jungle gyms for upper body and agility work.

If aren’t lucky enough to be a Seattle-ite, check your local city site, or this fantastic Playspace Finder from the non-profit Kaboom. I also have the finder embedded in my web site here.

This week, if you can, get out and PLAY.

If the weather is just too intolerable, then find out what local resources you do have for once the weather warms and the crocuses come up.

See you on the jungle gym!