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execise with baby
One of the top resolutions people make as they ring in the new year is to get fit. Regular exercise is associated with a multitude of health benefits so it is a worthwhile goal. Often we use our children as an excuse to not exercise when they really make great exercise companions. Here are some ideas for including any age child into your exercise routine.
Infants
- Strollers are great tools to use for exercise. Baby gets some fresh air while you walk and the stroller acts as extra resistance giving you a better workout. Programs such as Stroller Strides also incorporate strength training into their exercise regiment.
- Floor work can be made challenging by using your little one as weight. Take them "flying" by lifting them with your legs or raising them high in your arms.
Toddlers
- Just chasing a toddler around can be plenty of exercise. Toddlers also love to move to music so you can get silly and dance around together.
- Yoga is great for little ones and there are many different videos and local programs available that will guide you and your child through yoga moves. If you are participating in a yoga video, make the most out of it by deepening your stretches.
School-Aged Children
- Ride bikes. Kids love to ride their bikes and their enthusiasm will motivate you to ride for a longer period of time.
- Practice sports with them. Whether they are interested in basketball or ballet, it is fun and great exercise to practice these with them. Let your child show you what they are learning and follow their lead. This also helps build your child's self confidence.
- Play active video games. Kids love their video games and will be so happy that you want to play with them. Choose sports games or dance games that require a lot of movement to get a good workout.
Teenagers
- Take a walk. It's a great idea to go for a walk with your teenager. Not only does it give you a chance to exercise, it also gives you the chance to talk to your child.
- Take your teenager to the gym. It is a great age to teach your child about strength training which is important for increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat.
