Today seems like talk about our kids and their physical exercise opportunities day. A bit of a mouthful, yes, I know – but still, I like talking about kids and about the fitness opportunities that are available for them. Among some of those opportunities are great places like The Little Gym where kids are encouraged to explore their physical selves through guided exercises and free play.
There are yoga programs for babies and for kids. There’s gymnastics studios and yoga studios that are all starting fitness for kids programs that are taking place before the kids can even walk. For example, at my daughter’s gymnastics school there’s a Parents and Tots program that kids can sign up for as early as 16 months old.
These infant and toddler programs are great opportunities, but they should never be used as a placebo or in place of regular physical exercise and daily play for your kids. In fact, while it’s great for you to exercise every day on your treadmill or to go out for a walk an hour after dinner every evening – it’s equally important that you enjoy a more physical lifestyle and not one that’s marked by 1 hour of activity with 23 hours of sitting still.
Family Activity is a Great Bonding Time
What makes these programs offered by places like the gymnastics school and The Little Gym so great is that they are opportunities for parents and their kids to bond together. Bonding time doesn’t have to be paid for, however, if you can adjust your lifestyle to be more active.
As I have described here frequently, I spend a lot of time with my daughter both walking to and from school. Playing after school and going out craft hunting together. We read together. We walk together. We do housework together.
While these opportunities may seem like a reaction to the rising incidence of morbid obesity in our kids – the simple fact is they are also a response to the declining amount of time families are spending together. We’re always looking for opportunities, so look for opportunities that don’t require three PDAs and a daily calendar.
The truth is – as great as many of these programs are – they cost money. It’s may be hard enough to find time much less find the money as well. Take the time to play together – play croquet in your back yard, toss around a ball, go for bike rides, go for hikes and take the dog for a walk.
What can you and your kids do to spend more quality time together while getting in some more exercise as well?
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