With the rates of childhood obesity and other food related illnesses climbing each and every year, now is the perfect time to get your child moving! Cold weather doesn't have to put a damper in your exercise efforts. There are lots of things you can do to get your kids off the couch and they don't have to be boring or tedious.
The key, is to make exercise fun for children. Better yet, don't call it exercising. Call it "playing gym class" or just tell them that you're all going to jump around and act silly. Do jumping jacks, dance to your favorite music, and use an exercise ball to get them bouncing around and you toned and fit.
Try the Fitball and with Feet. It's very similar to traditional exercise balls, but it comes with small feet at the bottom that keep the balls from rolling; and it keeps your ball in place when you stand up. Best of all, it comes in both child and adult sizes so the entire family can get in on the fun.
The benefits of using the Fitball are numerous. Children will learn balance and stability while playing and sitting on the ball, and you will get the same benefits of a personal trainer without the high price tag. Exercise balls are superior for core training and working those abs, plus, they don't put strain on your hips and back. In fact, lying across the Fitball may instantly relieve back pain. That’s why therapists and chiropractors have been using exercise balls in their practices for years.
Before you get started, there are just a few things to remember before you begin working with the Fitball, or any other exercise equipment. If your children have any health issues, such as asthma, talk to his or her doctor before starting an exercise program or any other physical activities. Also, it may be a good idea to speak with your own doctor before you get started whether you have a health condition or not.
You should also keep a few things in mind as you actually use the ball. Keep your workouts indoors, away from sharp objects.
Although the Fitball is designed to take a bit of wear and tear, it is susceptible to punctures just as any other exercise ball. It's also a good idea to confine your workouts to areas without hard furniture with sharp corners. Move things around if you have to. The last thing you want is a child to bounce right into a table. You should direct children on how to behave while using the ball to avoid anyone getting hurt. Most of all, encourage them to move, bounce, and have fun!
Labels: active-play, ball-dynamics, fitballs, therapy-balls
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