Kids in the past had much more physical exercise than kids nowadays with all the technology. Their faces are buried in the digital screens, bodies slouched on the furniture, kids are not interested in going out in the sun anymore. Because technology looks more flashy kids are attracted to it like flies to the light. However, it is our responsibility as their elders to encourage them to get their daily physical exercise. This ensures a healthy future generation.
Adults go to the gym and get into a fitness routine. But it is difficult to take our kids to the gym. Not impossible though, if you wanna try. Anyway, without digressing from our topic, there are many simple exercises you can do with your kids at home. This eases your kid into fitness routines and it will also be a memorable experience for you as a parent. Win-win.
SIMPLE EXERCISES FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES
1. Yoga
Yoga has a broad range of Asanas (exercises) from easiest to the most complex forms. One you can start with is the breathing exercise in Padmasana. This is a simple enough exercise for kids. Kids can be more flexible than you think and who knows, your kid might surprise you with a perfect Yoga posture.
2. Skipping
Isn’t skipping so much fun? You can make it a regular activity and believe me, you are gonna make a great memory out of it.
3. Cycling
This can be an outdoor activity as well as an indoor one. Based on your kid’s comfort, you can try cycling. Of all the exercises I talked about here, I believe this will be the most fun for your kid. This will induce healthy leg muscle development as well as bone strength.
4. Squats
This is a strength training exercise and it is extremely good for kids at a young age. Squats enhance muscle strength. Although keep it light. Observe how many your kid can take and go with that (best not be more than 12 for one time).
5. Stretches
There are many stretching poses you can help your kid try. Like, the bird pose, frog pose, lion pose, bridge pose, cat pose, cobra pose, etc. See this infographic for instance.
6. Crunches
Crunches are awesome. More than the exercise itself, I think the satisfaction of having something complex accomplished feels better for your kid. You can do this peacefully at home without any exercise equipment. All this requires is enough floor space.
This strengthens abdominal muscles. But be cautious and give proper guidance to your kid.
That’s all, parents.
Before you become all strict and force your kids to do the bird pose and crunches, you may ask your kids what physical activity would they enjoy. Because Tennis might pull in some kids while dancing could interest some other kids. When the inspiration comes from their own mind, they will stick to the activity for a long time.
This also makes your work way easier, doesn’t it?
So, do your kids have a fitness routine? Let the crowd know in the comments below.
Cheers!
I loved this article. Especially the cute infographic that you have included in between. It makes it better for me in terms of thinking it visually.
Glad you like it, Apoorv.