Video - Fun Family Exercise Idea with Toddlers

This week we don't have an actual workout for you, but this video was so cute I just had to share! Working out when you have your hands full with little kids isn't always easy, but if you just use your imagination and involve them in the activity as much as they would like to be, you'll find that not only are they having fun with exercise, but you're having more fun as well!

As you can see by the example in this video, exercise for kids isn't WORK - it's PLAY!  They will jump right in and try to do whatever you do, and in doing so, they'll bring the fun and enjoyment back to your exercise routine as well. Don't worry about exactly what you're going to do - just get outside like this family did, and try a few fun moves, yoga poses, jumping jacks or jump rope, or just run around in circles together! Toddlers and kids under 5 will be completely happy just doing this for a little while, and you'll get a good workout in too, even though it might not be as structured as a regular gym routine.

Make your exercise into play, and it won't feel like so much of a "workout" anymore!

Fun Family Exercise Routines
http://www.yourkickinthepants.com Teaching my kids healthy living. Working out and having fun with the kids. Motivating moms and women to exercise and fitness.

Tip #9: Make It A Family Affair

Exercise does not have to be a chore. It can be a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, as well. Hiking, walking, and bicycling are just a few ways to incorporate the whole family into exercise. Getting outside and into nature is not only fun and inspiring, but can also be a learning experience for your kids, and way for you to connect and spend time together as a family.

And if you're stuck indoors, Zumba and gaming system exercises can also be great ways to incorporate exercise into your family and your lifestyle.

Setting aside time to exercise is more and more important as we age, as our normal activity level tends to decline. A 2003 survey found that 71.3% of children between the ages of 10 and 17 participated in moderate to vigorous physical activity at least three days a week (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/overweight/portrait/2children.htm), but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2011 American Time Use Survey, the average American aged 15 or older spends just 18 minutes per day participating in sports, exercise and recreation. (http://www.bls.gov/tus/charts/leisure.htm)

Spending time together exercising as a family is one of the best ways to teach your children about the importance of getting regular exercise, and it's a great way to set healthy habits which will last them -and you - a lifetime.

Video - Fun Interval Cardio Dance Fat-Burning Workout

This 20-minute fat-burning workout uses both strengthening and toning exercises along with cardio to boost the metabolism and burn fat fast.* Alternating intense intervals of heavy muscle use with short periods of rest strengthens the heart muscle and improves the immune system, along with increasing your metabolism so you will burn more fat even while at rest. And it's fun and not overwhelming since you get little breaks of lower intensity throughout the workout.

Add this to your workout rotation a couple of times a week and see what a difference it makes!

* Note: Be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new workout routine, especially if you are starting at a lower fitness level.

Denise Austin: Ultimate Fat Burn Workout
Denise Austin: Ultimate Fat Burn Workout is designed to boost metabolism and blast away calories through a series of explosive cardio interval exercises that...


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Tip #8: Measure Your Success

Keep a record on your refrigerator of your successes. Even if there is no immediate weight loss or loss of inches in the beginning, keep a record stating that you did it for one whole week - even just taking steps to keep your exercise routine going is quite an accomplishment in itself.

Whether or not you are seeing immediate results, being able to see a record of your accomplishments in keeping up with your workouts can be quite motivating, and will give you a sense of pride and remind you that you have the ability to make positive changes in your health and fitness.

And even if you're not seeing immediate changes in your size or weight, rest assured that you are improving your health in important ways every day. A 2006 study found a significantly lower risk of stroke among those who exercise – 20% lower in those who are moderately active and 27% lower in those who are highly active. (http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/benefits-of-exercise). Exercise can also help alleviate insomnia. A Northwestern University study found that regular exercise improves sleep quality and reduces daytime sleepiness. (http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20100917/exercise-helps-you-sleep). And let's not forget its impact on those around you. Research shows that children who have at least one parent who exercises regularly are less likely to be overweight than those who do not have a parent who exercises regularly (13.6% vs. 17%). (http://mchb.hrsa.gov/overweight/portrait/3family.htm)

Remember to take your measurements regularly and chart your success as you go. When you have an "off day" or you're not feeling motivated, being able to look back at how far you've come is a great inspiration!

Video - Fun In The Sun Toning Workout

This fun video shows you a great and easy workout which can help get your whole body toned and strong in just a few minutes a day. Tone your legs, butt, abs, and more with this workout in under 10 minutes. It's probably even more fun on the beach, but you can bring a beach-ready body to your living room by doing this workout often. Check it out, and have some fun getting tight and toned!*

* (Be sure to consult with your physician or trainer before starting any new workout routine, especially if you are starting from a low level of fitness.)

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Tip #7: Buy Something to Get Yourself In The Game

A great way to get motivated before setting out to start a new exercise regimen is to buy a few new things to get you motivated as you begin. Some new exercise clothing, shoes, or weights in a color you like might be a fun little way to get you motivated.

There are also tons of great and fun exercise DVDs that can motivate you with great music and guidance throughout your workout. Whatever your interests - from yoga to kickboxing to belly dance, there's a great exercise DVD out there for everyone! Usually for just a few bucks you can accumulate a collection of different workout videos you enjoy, so you'll always have a fun variety of exercise routines to choose from.

Visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html for some fun ones that we enjoy - maybe you will too!

Video - 10-Minute Kickboxing Workout + Healthy Recipe

This is a short fun video which starts off with a tasty and easy recipe for kale chips. Get these in the oven, then do your 10-minute kickboxing workout, and reward yourself with a yummy and healthy snack when done!

Work your core, arms, back, shoulders, and legs with these seven easy but high-cardio kickboxing moves. Do them for one minute each, and then a second set for 30 seconds each, for a total of just over 10 minutes. Remember to keep your core strong and tight, and be careful to keep your back neutral throughout. And be sure to drink plenty of water afterwards. *

Get a great workout for your whole body, plus cardio, in 10 quick minutes with this fun workout!

* Be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner before starting any new workout routine, especially if your fitness level is low.

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Tip #6: Keep An Exercise Journal

A great way to see the effects of your new exercise routine is to journal as you go along. Perhaps you can make a journal entry of having a little bit more energy or self-confidence after your first week or two into your new exercise routine. Recording the benefits of your exercise is a great motivator to keep you going.

Exercise can boost your energy levels significantly . A 2008 study by the University of Georgia found that regular low-intensity exercise could increase energy as much as 20% and decrease fatigue by up to 65%. (http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-for-energy-workouts-that-work)

You might also find your digestion has improved.  According to WebMD, exercise can help improve digestion and alleviate constipation, as long as you do not work out immediately after eating. (http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/exercise-curing-constipation-via-movement) And it can even improve your skin by decreasing stress and increasing blood flow to the skin. (http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-care-11/exercise)

A journal is a great way to measure your successes and also to see what else you might need to work on.

Video - Move Your Body Workout (Beyonce)

This fast and fun dance workout is part of the initiative to keep kids and teens healthy and get them exercising - but it's fun for adults too! There's really not any instruction in this workout video (other than the cues in the song), but most of the moves are pretty simple and easy to pick up after a watch or two. Or just make up your own moves! It's a great and catchy song which does what it's supposed to do and makes you want to move! So get up and move your body and have some fun with it!

Beyoncé: "Move Your Body" [Full Workout Routine]

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