[Video] Fun Family Workout With Little Kids

These workout ideas are great for families with little kids - the kids will have a ton of fun crawling, running, jumping, and balancing, while you get a great workout!

It doesn't need to take long - just a few simple exercises will have you burning when you add the weight of the kids to the equation, as shown in this video. This mom and dad do a great job of showing how fun it can be to get fit while enjoying your kids!

It's also a great way to set a good example for your kids by teaching them that exercise can be fun and enjoyable.

If you're a busy parent with small children, you will definitely want to check this one out!

How to Achieve Physical Fitness for the Whole Family

When your entire family is working together towards a common goal, no matter what it is, your chance of success improves dramatically. The old joke asks, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer is, "One bite at a time." When your family is also focused on helping you eat the elephant, a seemingly impossible task gets accomplished in a much shorter time.

While eating an elephant is certainly an unenviable and impossible sounding chore, it is often times just as difficult for a family in today's society to remain active, stay fit and keep healthy. Processed and fast foods are everywhere, teens and adults are more sedentary than at any other time in humankind's history, and mobile Internet technology has everyone's face stuck in a smartphone or PC display.

That is why it is more important than ever to take certain proven steps towards becoming a more physically fit family. And actually, in many ways, the family dynamic can make physical fitness and better health easier to achieve as a team than it is on the individual level. Children are already conditioned to receiving direction from their parents, and parents are consistently and consciously striving to set the best example. This creates some easy-to-follow steps towards family physical fitness which will increase your overall chance of success.

Assign a Coach

All teams need a coach or manager who leads the actions of the group. Someone in your family needs to direct the physical fitness activities of your "team". This works most effectively when it is mom or dad, and remember that the coach should set realistic but challenging goals. The family fitness coach should hand out schedules, provide input and motivation, and then follow-up on performances.

Schedule Family Fitness Outings

(Image courtesy of nenetus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)

The different ages and fitness levels of your family members will dictate that not everyone can lift the same weight, run the same distance or swim the same length. However, team activities like hiking are excellent for overall body health, hiking is doable by everyone, and it also allows the family to bond. Schedule family fitness outings which get you and your children away from computers and fast food, and you will find your family growing closer together while also becoming more physically fit.

Incorporate Nutrition As Well As Exercise

It is well known that exercise and nutrition form the two most important components for physical fitness and health. Exercise is great, and as little as 30 minutes per day can deliver a significant health benefit. But correct diet and nutrition is important as well, meaning more fruits and vegetables, less fried and fast foods, more preparing your own meals and enjoying them as a family, and less artificial drinks and sodas.

Hold An Accountability & Rewards Night

To help achieve your family's physical fitness goals, schedule one night a week where all members of the family enjoy a "rewards meal", openly discuss their successes and failures of the previous week, and motivate each other for the week to come.

Especially with the children in a family, hard work delivering an enjoyable reward like pizza night and positive affirmations from other family members will go a long way to guaranteeing compliance in future fitness activities.

These are just a few of the simple and inexpensive ways even the busiest family can create a physical fitness attitude that is looked upon positively by all family members.

Try to schedule exercising and workouts at the same time and on the same days whenever you can, to instill a sense of order and repetition. Always reward yourself, your spouse and your children with positive input when it is earned, remember that everyone falls and stumbles from time to time, and the chance of success for your family's physical fitness plan will improve dramatically.

5 Great Fitness Tips for Busy Parents

Having kids often means a busy, hectic lifestyle. When your children are very small, it seems you are changing diapers every few minutes. When they are older, you are running them here and there, acting as their personal taxi service. At home and at work, children make for very little free time for parents.

Even so, you need to understand how important it is to stay physically active. The mental and physical rewards from regular exercise are many, and when you stay active you also set a healthy example for your children. Practice the following 5 fitness tips for busy parents, and you will always have time for health and wellness in your family.

1. Prioritize Physical Fitness

You must make exercise a priority, especially when you are busy all the time. As a parent, you are constantly "putting out fires" and dealing with problems that arise. That means that if you simply wait for spare time to appear, it may never happen. You have to prioritize being healthy, making it a part of your daily and weekly schedule.

2. When You Fail to Plan You Plan to Fail

If you have taken the mental step of prioritizing exercise in your busy life, good for you. Now you have to consciously make it a part of your family life. This includes planning physical activity for your kids as well. Don't just do this mentally. Write down a weekly and monthly exercise plan and stick to it.

3. Stop Thinking of Exercise Traditionally

(Image courtesy of Naypong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)

Any moderately intense to intense physical activity is a form of exercise. You don't have to head to the gym or health club to be benefiting from exercise. Carrying around a small child all day is definitely a form of exercise, as is spending 30 or 40 minutes running around outside with your kids enjoying their favorite playtime activities! Gardening, cleaning, and even cooking can provide moderate exercise as well. Try to find ways to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine, rather than trying to carve out an extra hour somewhere to devote to just working out.

4. Spread out Your Efforts

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. You don't need to experience long, drawn-out exercise sessions. Many noted health authorities recommend 2.5 to 3.0 hours of moderately intense aerobic activity each week. The rewards of exercise are cumulative, meaning you can enjoy that exercise in 10 workout sessions that are 15 minutes long each, or 5 sessions which are 30 minutes in duration. Check this blog often for inspiration - we post great weekly workouts that are often less than 20 minutes long!

5. Get Your Kids Involved

Why not schedule exercise activities the whole family can enjoy together? This ensures you get the workout you need, your children develop healthy exercise habits, and you strengthen your family bond, all at the same time!

Check back Thursday for a quick, fun workout that you can do with your kids...

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.

Fun Summer Workouts for the Whole Family

These days, after what seemed an endless winter, it finally feels like summer! Summertime is all about feeling the sun on your face and getting some fresh air. But, many people stay inside and miss out on what nature has to offer. Here are some fun ways that you and the family can get out there and get healthy.

Even better than enjoying a summer day is enjoying it with someone else. As parents we try to send the kids outside but may not go out ourselves. But the sun is good for everyone and you can have even more fun outdoors.

Getting Outdoors

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Create a family activity day at least once a week. This is the time when all of the family spends time together sharing a fun activity outdoors. The name of the game is injecting some physical activity into your day.

Let everyone choose a fun activity that they like. Place them on a list. Each time you have an activity day, take one suggestion from the list. But, what activities can you do as a family that will be rewarding physically and mentally?

Here are some fun summer workouts to start with:

* Bicycling – If everyone doesn’t know how to ride a bike, this is the perfect time to learn. Bike riding builds up the leg muscles and also your cardiovascular fitness. You can ride and talk about your day. Go to the park and have a leisurely ride, enjoying the summer breezes and blossoms along the way.

* Basketball – All you need for this is a hoop and a ball. Have a family pick-up game after dinner or after work. You can divide into teams and play for points. Even better, play games to see who has to do the most chores that week!

* Hiking – Explore your local area with your family. Even though you are having fun and exploring, you are burning tons of calories on a hike. And, you get to learn about nature. Combine it with a camping trip for a fun weekend getaway the kids will love.

* Swimming – You don’t even have to have your own pool. If there is a neighborhood pool or one at the gym, use it. Doing laps is an easy way to gain muscle tone all over your body while you have fun. Take a water aerobics class as a family. There is no shock to your joints so it benefits both young and old alike.

* Backyard games – One of the often neglected parts of the house is the back yard. Act like a kid again. Play kickball, volleyball, soccer, flag football and many other games that will make you sweat and give you great memories to hold on to.

There are lots of activities that the family can do this summer to gain fitness and have some fun. Start with those above and add to the list with your own fun ideas!

6 Fun Ways to Add Exercise to Your Child’s Day

Childhood obesity is becoming a growing problem in many countries - ours is one of the worst.  Things are getting so bad that more and more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a disease that used to be isolated to older, overweight adults.  As parents, it is our responsibility to help keep our child’s weight and health in check.  A great way to do this is by getting your children to exercise more often.  This can help them to lose weight and simply be more healthy - and it will instill in them healthy habits that can benefit them throughout their adult lives.. 

Here are a few tips to help you get your child up and moving - and enjoying it:

(Photo credit: epSos.de)

1.  Sign them up for group sports.  These are not only a great way to get a workout, they also promote socialization and self esteem.  Plus, most kids think sports are fun - not work.  If you find a sport your child really likes, they’ll want to practice all the time and get more and more exercise.  Try to enroll your child in a sport that promotes aerobic activity, and that they really enjoy. 

2. Don’t rely completely on sports.  Some kids just don’t like sports.  If this is the case, you need to make adjustments to the plan.  If they really don’t enjoy it, they won't stick with it or reap as many benefits, so find something else for them to do.  Many fitness centers offer a variety of classes for children including martial arts, dance, and even yoga. 

3. Work out together.  Children learn a lot of their behavior from their family.  That means, if you sit around all day and don’t work out, that’s probably what they’re going to do.  Setting a good example for your child by getting regular exercise is healthy for both you and them!  A great way for you to both get a workout is to find something you both enjoy and do it together.   

4. Make it fun.  You may enjoy the quiet time you get on a running on a treadmill, but your child is probably going to complain. So put yourself in their place - just running in place is pretty boring for a kid. Instead of doing normal adult workout routines, make up games, play tag, play sports, or dance.  It doesn’t really matter what it is, just make sure it’s fun and entertaining for your child.  Be creative, and see what fun active games you can come up with.

Dance Dance Revolution (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. Cut back on T.V. and video games.  The best way to keep your child from playing too many video games is to stop the problem before it starts.  If you allow your child to veg in front of the T.V. for hours at a time and then cut back, they’re going to be angry.  It’s best to limit times of inactivity from a young age.  If you’re having trouble getting your kids to give up the games, buy games that require physical activity like Dance Revolution or various active games available on the Nintendo Wii.  This is a great compromise where you both win - and you may even find yourself playing along!

6. Fit it in where you can.  Today's children often have almost as busy schedules as adults do.  If you don’t have a large open chunk of time for your kids to get exercise, you can squeeze in small activities when you do have a few minutes free.  Try a "5 minute jump rope break" in between homework sessions, or a 15 minute game of tag outside before dinner. This is more natural for kids anyway - they don't naturally schedule an hour to work out if you think about it - if you let kids run around and play how they want, they will exercise via bursts of activity.

These are just a few ways to get your kid up and active.  They may be resistant at first, but keep trying.  Starting good exercise habits when your child is young is a vital part of a healthy adult lifestyle. 

Fitness Tips for Women- Stay Fit and Healthy!

Here are 10 tips for women to stay fit and healthy:

1. Staying fit and healthy starts with a balanced diet. Know and monitor the right weight for your age. Consult your doctor to learn what food you should avoid and follow your eating discipline routines. If you are trying to lose some weight, foods with high calories should be omitted from your meals. Fresh foods with high fiber and a small amount of healthy fats should be included a priority in your grocery list instead of red meat, sugars and processed foods (avoid artificial fats and hydrogenated oils like the plague!).

2. Drink plenty of water. Drinking at least eight glasses of water every day cleanses the body from impurities. It is also advised for lactating women to increase water intake to keep the body hydrated.

Image via Wikipedia3. Take Vitamins and Supplements. Do not forget your Calcium supplement.  Sufficient Calcium intake is beneficial for women of all ages. This has been proven to prevent having cramps and Pre-Menstrual Period (PMS) Symptoms. It also prevents Osteoporosis especially for menopausal women. Make sure your Calcium is accompanied by Vitamin D-3 for the best absorption, and a stronger immune system! Vitamin E can also boost the  immune system. Women who undergo menopausal period should take Vitamin E-400 as it stops night sweats and hot flashes. Also, Vitamin E is said to help in avoiding wrinkles when aging. (For recommendations of some pure, high-quality, very absorbable vitamins, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html.)

4. Quit smoking. If you are smoking, stop. It is also a big “NO” for pregnant women, as this will affect the health of the baby. Pregnant women who smoke may pass the harmful content of cigarettes to babies through the bloodstream. Recent studies have shown that women smokers are more prone to diseases than men smokers. Women who smoke have a high risk of getting breast cancer. Also limit your alcohol intake.

5. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine! Take a walk after work, use stairs instead of elevator or play with your kids when you are at home. Home exercises are also effective especially when you do not have time to go to the gym and would like to lose some weight. Yoga and Pilates are only a few of the many effective exercises you can do at home. (For other ideas, browse the posts on this blog, or visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html.) Exercising regularly helps limit the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

6. Avoid stress. Many women are prone to too much stress. Stress has been known to cause or contribute to many different illnesses and diseases. As much as possible take time to relax. Read a good book, hang out with friends and engage in sports. Pamper yourself with a hot bath or massage. And do not forget to get enough sleep to revive your energy.

7. Use sunscreen (but sparingly!) to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. It is best to wear hats when in the sun to protect your skin. You need some sunshine for a strong immune system, and ironically many sunscreens can form cancer-causing compounds on your skin! But too much sun can be a problem. It also speeds up the aging of skin cells, which causes wrinkles.You should avoid sunburns, and Image via Wikipediatry to stay out of the sun during the middle of the day when the sun's rays are the strongest. If you must be in the sun, use an EWG-approved sunscreen - you can find a list of good ones at  http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/.

8. Make sure to visit your dentist to keep that beautiful smile. Have your teeth cleaned regularly, and floss daily, to prevent cavities and bad breath.

9. Visit your Gynecologist. Women who are eighteen and above should have a Physical Examination annually especially for the Pap Smear test. Make a regular breast self-exam a part of your monthly routine.

10.  Safe sex is strongly recommended. Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases if you are sexually active.

Fun Winter Activity Idea - Ice Skating

Image via WikipediaIce skating is a very popular sport that used to only be available in the winter. If you want to skate outdoors on real ice then that is still the only time to enjoy it. However, with advances in technology it is now possible to experience ice skating year-round at an indoor area as well. Special machines are made to add layers of ice that are continually smoothed out so you will always have a terrific surface to glide across.

Special skates are used for ice skating that have sharp blades on the bottom of them. The blades allow the person to be able to glide along the ice at very fast speeds if they desire. The amount of friction that a skater is able to manipulate as they move along the ice will help to determine the speed of movement. It also allows them to remain in complete control of their movements at all times.

Most people find ice skating to be more difficult than roller skating as you have to learn to balance your body differently on them. A great deal of weight is placed on your ankles and legs while ice skating. The more you practice the stronger they will become and as a result you will improve your ice skating skills.

After you master the basic skills of ice skating you will be able to start learning various stunts if you want to. The leaps and twirls that professional ice skaters are able to perform are the result of plenty of practice. You may want to pay for classes with a professional in order to learn the right skills to be able to do such feats during ice skating.

You may find you want to participate in various types of ice skating competitions either on your own or as part of a team. These events take place on a regular basis so you may want to search online to find out what is available. If you are under the direction of a coach they will be able to get you signed up for the right competitions. Always pay close attention to your instructor so you won’t get injured as you ice skate. Don’t be tempted to jump into challenging routines too soon or you will be putting yourself at risk.

Image via WikipediaIf you choose to ice skate out doors you will need to make sure the ice is thick enough to sustain your weight. Serious injuries and even death can occur if someone falls into ice which has cracked due to the weight on top of it. Always pay attention to signs that tell you to stay off the ice. You should never go ice skating alone in case you do need assistance from another party!

Make sure you are dressed warmly while ice skating out doors. You don’t want to suffer from frost bite. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught up in your skates and cause you to fall. The ice at an indoor center is often cool as well so make sure you dress in layers. This way you can be comfortable no matter what the temperature is.

Whether or not you choose to get competitive with it, ice skating can be a really fun and challenging form of exercise, and it's one that your whole family can enjoy. It doesn't have to be strictly a winter activity, but if you are looking for some fun ways to get outside and be active, give this one a try!

Fun Exercise Tip - Let Your Kids Be Your Exercise!

In this busy time of holiday shopping, cooking, entertaining guests, and all the rest of the crazy busy holiday bustle, we can tend to forget what's really important - our health, and our family and loved-ones. Here is a great article on how to incorporate both into your daily routine - even during this crazy week!

Image via WikipediaLetting your kids be your workout is not only fun, but it's FREE, and good for both body and soul - for your entire family. Help each other stay fit and healthy, while maintaining your good spirits and your relationships at the same time. Check it out, and feel free to share your own fun family exercise ideas as well!

Minimalist fitness: your kids are the gym | zen habits
Kid learn most of all from what they see others doing, especially their parents. You can tell them things all day long, but unless they see you doing it, you're not teaching them much. When we go to the gym, they don't see us working ...
Publish Date: 11/16/2010 11:37
http://zenhabits.net/minimalist-gym/

 

Related articles on Fun Family Exercise:

• 12 Days of Fitness--in Only 30 Minutes! (self.com)
• Exercise for Mom: How to Get Fit with Your Kids (brighthub.com)
• How to Turn Exercise Into Something You Love (dumblittleman.com)