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What is the best workout for children? Something, Anything!

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What is the best workout for children? Something, Anything! – I’ve had people ask me recently what the best workouts for children are. Should children be working out in the first place? What should a parent focus on when it comes to their child’s daily exercise, or lack there of? Another question … am I as a parent doing enough to help lead my child toward a healthy lifestyle?

The short answer: if you are doing anything exercise related with your child, you’re on the right track!

I just wish more people were like you. Would you believe me if I told you that about one in three American kids and teenagers are overweight or obese? According to a 2014 report by the American Heart Association, that rate is nearly triple what it was in 1963.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said obesity is consistent among children ages 2-19. And speaking as a health and fitness coach, I gotta tell you that mindset/lifestyle carries over into adulthood — where unhealthy eating habits, complacency and lack of direction are only part of your problem.

Again, per the AHA … among children, obesity has caused a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood, including high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. Not to mention the psychological effects like negative body image, anxiety and depression.
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I’ve battled anxiety and depression. The last thing I want is for my own kids to go through that.

So get moving, get active and eat right.

To answer the questions above (because I know they weren’t rhetorical questions), yes children should have a consistent healthy diet and exercise regimen. What should you focus on? I’m not suggesting go have them do 50 Squat Thrusts before bed every night, or to keep on them like a drill sergeant. Keeping them active is the key, and you can do that in a number of ways.

*Jumping Jacks

*Running in place

*Walking/Running

*Knee Lifts

*Alternate toe touches

*Sports (baseball, football, cheerleading, basketball, gymnastics)

If you are following these same principals for yourself, that too is a crucial. Our children learn so much from what we as parents do. That includes how much of an emphasis we place on working out and healthy eating. It’s so easy after a long day at work to buy some pizza for the family, or make a quick run through the McDonald’s drive thru. It’s OK every once in a while, but kids pick up on it if it’s EVERY DAY!

Instead, go to the grocery store and focus on fresh foods. Check out my blogs for great tips on that if you are having problems. That’s what I’m here for. And for goodness sake, get your kids moving.

Don’t overthink it. A child’s daily exercise can be as simple as getting them involved in sports or setting a timer when they are asked to do chores around the house. If you are the type of person who likes to do yard work, get the kids to pull weeds or let them help your husband push the lawnmower.

It’s that easy!

One of the misconceptions about working out from home is that people think it doesn’t work when you have little ones to contend with. Don’t feel like you need to contend with them, let them workout with you! I mentioned in a previous blog that one of our kids is an early riser and will workout with me and husband. That’s great! We have videos that we choose from, so let them pick their own video and give it a whirl.

The bottom line is this: I do not believe in quick fixes. You and your children need to focus on lifestyle changes. It’s easy to assume that children of any age naturally have an active lifestyle. They are busy running around the house, and because they don’t work all the time like we do, they have plenty of time to get into things they shouldn’t be getting in to. And need I remind you about their boundless energy? I tell ya, I would be a rich woman if I could bottle that up and sell it to all us grown ups!

But the stats don’t lie. Luckily, it’s not too late to get started!

Create a better YOU .. and that goes for your children as well!

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