Exercise with your child!

By Angie Devaney Mother of 4!

Many women often ask Who is going to look after him or her while I am exercising?", "I don't want to leave my child with a baby sitter"

or

""With all the work I put into looking after my new baby, I don't need the extra exercise! I'm exhausted enough..

While all of these are valid points, I would like to bring to light one of my own. There are many ways for mothers, and their child(ren) to enjoy an exercise routine that has been built with busy mothers and their child(ren) in mind. Stop worrying about the who's, what's, when's and why's of a daily exercise routine; instead pick your child up and start the work out!

Why do I need to exercise, I am happy with my body and weight you might ask. it has been proven that daily physical activity not only reduces stress greatly, but it can also aid better sleeping patterns for both you and your child, can reduce the risk of some diseases, ward off depression, as well as keep you fit and healthy in your every day life. A daily exercise routine or strength training can also help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, improve self esteem or self worth, increase in stamina, and will increase your endurance.

Sticking with an exercise routine as a mother is difficult but it is very important. To teach our children so they will develop healthy habits as adults. There are countless benefits for your child. Having your child participate in your exercise routine can help him or her to learn movement as well as coordination skills. Not to mention it enables you to form a strong bond with your child, The number one rule to exercising with your child is safety is always first. The second is having fun, and create a fun and stimulating environment for both you and your child. Our family enjoys evening walks together, seeing how my husband and I stay busy chasing after the kids it turns into a pretty nice cardio workout and in turn the kids enjoy the outdoors. Don't let the cold weather keep you in just bundle up before you head out. Here are more ideas :

Exercise ideas for you and your child:

Biking with your child: If you have a love of bikes like I do, don't give it up when you become a mommy just include your familyfor example; learn how to use a bike carrier which offers the best protection , or pack up the kids bikes and trikes and try our bike and trike class ( offered only in the summer months) One fun thing to do in the winter is bring the bikes in if you have a basement or garage and workout to music while the little ones peddle around you. another great way to show your kids how much fun exercise can be is to get them involved in some community actives. This link will take you to find information on a trike-a-thon a bike race that kids can be part of and make a difference. http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=cc836f9523e70110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD

One of our favorites in my home is Mommy and me dance time. I turn up the radio and I don't have to wait for my husband to take me out dancing! I just dance with my kids. You may wish to carry your baby in a sling, or simply hold him or her in your arms as you dance. Put on some music that you can both enjoy, something that is up beat and has a high tempo is best. This of course is your cardio workout which will help you to shed those pounds. Not only is it good for you, but you are also teaching your child at the same time; about rhythm, movement, as well as the love of music.

Work on the Tummy and have a ball at the same time! If you have an exercise ball, grab your baby, you will hold your child on your lap, and bouncing upon the ball up and down (make sure to hold onto your child tightly but gently, and don't bounce too high) At the same time engage your core muscles, by sucking your belly button in toward your spine. My children like this the most when I sing silly songs while I do this exercise.

There are also many other creative ways to exercise with your child, such as using your little one as a weight. This should only be done when your child is old enough to hold their head up one their own. If any of our exercising techniques sound like you would enjoy them come try a free class and see if mommy and me fitness fun is right for you and your family. It is easy just register for your first free class today at http://www.mommyandmefitnessfun.com/classes.html