Why We Never Stop Playing: The Birth of Adult Play
Let’s be honest—life can get pretty serious as we grow up. Bills, deadlines, responsibilities… it’s easy to lose sight of the joy we felt as kids when play was a natural part of our everyday lives. Somewhere along the way, we stopped jumping off swings and started jumping into the grind. But what if I told you that play isn’t just for kids? What if I told you that embracing play as adults can transform our lives—physically, mentally, and socially?
That’s exactly what inspired me to create Adult Play Adventures: Fitness + Beyond—my brainchild and passion project that combines fitness, adventure, and the magic of play. This blog is about how it all came to be and why I believe play is the secret ingredient to living a fulfilling, active life.
Why Do We Stop Playing as Adults?
It’s a question I’ve often asked myself: Why do we stop playing when we grow up? Is it because society tells us it’s “childish”? Or because we get so caught up in adulting that we forget how good it feels to move, laugh, and explore?
The truth is, play isn’t just fun—it’s essential. Studies show that play improves cognitive function, boosts creativity, strengthens social bonds, and even enhances brain development. Yet somewhere along the way, we traded playgrounds for cubicles. And honestly? That’s just not the kind of life I want to live.
The Class That Sparked it All
Back in college, I signed up for a course called Drama and Play in the Human Experience, thinking it would be an easy blow-off class while I changed my major for.. maybe the 3rd time. Anyway it was anything but that, instead, it opened my eyes to how critical play is for brain development and overall well-being.
I learned about how play shapes our ability to problem-solve, connect with others, and navigate challenges. It’s not just something kids do—it’s something humans need—believe it or not as much as sleep. That class planted a seed in my mind that would eventually grow into what you see today:
Adult Play Adventures or APA.
My Background: Fitness Meets Fun
Movement has always been my happy place. From dance, track, bridge jumping to kayaking in not-so-safe waters at a young age, I’ve always loved exploring new ways to stay active. Paddleboarding, deep-sea diving, and spending 10+ hours at amusement parks without missing a beat, just because, are just a few of the adventures that fuel me! I’ve competed in a handful of bikini bodybuilding shows and never shy away from any adventure or back down from any fitness challenge. For me, staying active has always been about balancing structure with fun—creating moments that make you feel alive while challenging your body and mind.
Shows like Survivor and Big Brother (okay so I’ve watched all seasons in every English speaking country..a few dubbed as well lol) have also been a huge inspiration for this brainchild. Watching contestants overcome fun yet intense challenges sparked my fascination with how play pushes boundaries, fosters creativity, and builds connection—all things I wanted to eventually bring to life.
The Mission Behind Adult Play Adventures
At its core, Adult Play Adventures is about inspiring women (and everyone else—but mostly women) to explore alternatives to traditional fitness routines. Gyms are great—but why limit ourselves? There’s a whole world of playful movement out there waiting to be discovered. Plus, research shows that women already begin to experience reductions in muscle mass and strength earlier than men, making it even more crucial for US to embrace active, engaging lifestyles that keep us moving and growing!
Whether it’s climbing walls at an unconventional gym or trying out ninja warrior courses on vacation, my goal is to show people that staying active doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Movement should be fun; it should spark joy; it should make you feel alive!
Settling on the Name
Adult Play Adventures perfectly captures what this project is all about: embracing play as adults while exploring fitness alternatives that go beyond the norm. The “Fitness + Beyond” tagline ties everything together by highlighting our mission to push boundaries and redefine what fitness can look like.
The Vlog Series: Exploring Fitness + Beyond
One of the most exciting parts of this journey is our upcoming vlog series we’re planning a partnership with! Through these videos, we’ll take you along as we explore unique gyms, outdoor adventures, and playful fitness experiences around the globe. Think obstacle courses in Mexico, trampoline parks in Arizona, or eco-friendly gyms in Portland—the possibilities are endless!
This series isn’t just about showcasing cool places; it’s about inspiring you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.
Final Thoughts: Never Stop Playing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey so far, it’s this: We should never stop playing. Play isn’t just for kids—it’s for anyone who wants to live life fully and joyfully. Through Adult Play Adventures, I hope to inspire you to embrace movement in ways that excite you and make you feel alive.
So here’s my challenge for you: What’s one playful activity you can try this week? Whether it’s dancing in your living room or exploring a new hiking trail, let yourself have fun—you deserve it.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Let’s keep playing together! 💛
