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Exercise

Cardio Exercises for Kids

Cardio Exercises for Kids

Cardio Exercises for Kids

With all the T.V. shows, computer programs, and video games available now, it’s hard to get kids up and moving anymore.

That’s one big reason why childhood obesity is becoming more and more prevalent. Getting your child in shape doesn’t have to be a fight; you just have to find activities they enjoy that are good for them as well.

Here are some great workouts that will entertain your kids at the same time.

Tennis. If your child isn’t into traditional team sport, then tennis is a great alternative. It gives a great cardio workout while also working various muscle groups and improving hand-eye and overall coordination. Plus, even though your child isn’t necessarily working on a team, tennis is a great way to meet and socialize with other kids.

Paddleball. 2 tennis rackets or paddleball paddles, a tennis ball and a wall. Even if your kid can’t hit the ball against the wall more than once or twice, they’ll get a workout running to get the ball.

Hacky sack. This is a simple cheap way to get your kids up and moving. It also teaches coordination, balance, and helps your kids socialize and work together in a group to accomplish something. Plus, unlike most group sports, there are no teams so children are trying to beat their old records instead of trying to win.

Dance. Sure, you can enroll your child in dance classes, or you could just turn on the radio a couple times a week and make up silly dances to go along with the songs. This not only encourages movement, balance, and coordination, it also work out kid’s brains by getting them to be imaginative.

Video games. These have gotten a bad rap in the past few years, physical video games have come a long way since the original Nintendo. Now there are tons of products available that get your child to stand up and move. One popular game series is Dance Dance Revolution. There are also games on the new Nintendo Wii system that encourage physical movement. These are a fun entertaining way for your kids to get a workout while they play video games. And trust me; these are just as addictive as other video games.

Soccer. There?s a reason there are so many soccer mom’s around; because these parents know that soccer is a great way for children to get their heart rate up, improve their footwork skills, learn teamwork, and have fun at the same time. Plus, if you?re worried about the problem of intense competition, there are many areas with leagues that don?t keep score. This has been and still is a great way for your kids to stay in shape.

Swimming. Doing laps is a great way to get an aerobic workout without causing a lot of wear and tear on your child’s growing bones and joints. It’s fantastic and increasing endurance and stamina. Plus, a pool is a great place for them to hang out, play, and meet new kids in the neighborhood during the summer.

Jumping rope. This is a great workout whether it’s done the traditional way, or the newer more faced paced version. This can help your child meet new people, and some areas even have it as a competitive sport.

So why not get your child involved in one of these great activities? You could even get a workout yourself by joining them or just helping them practice regularly.

My Idea of Exercise

My Idea of Exercise

I’ve never joined a gym; workout is from home.

When I do exercise, I follow a body building routine (joyce vedral – 12 minute workout) that my dead grandma could follow better than I can. (I use it because you can see results in 3 weeks-instant gratification, kinda) I do one set: rest for 5 minutes. Drink water. Cuss.

Do another set: rest 5 minutes. Drink water. Cuss more and wonder why I was born intelligent instead of beautiful.

Do the third set. Smoke a cigarette, pee, and refill water. Cuss. Swear to myself I’ll never do it again.

And so it goes for the other 2 sets. Effectively stretching a 12 minute workout to an hour.

But even doing it this way, it works. Hell, I’ve even broken the routine up into morning/evening workouts – I’m that lazy!

I’ve actually followed several of her books, I highly recommend her workouts. If you do some research on Joyce Vedral, you’ll find that she is not a youngster.

When I first began a low fat diet (that story will be in another post), I had been on the low fat diet for exactly 2 days. I was off from work, up earlier than usual and happened to be watching Sally Jessie Raphael – of all people. Anyway, there was Joyce Vedral struttin her stuff and plugging the 12 minute workout. I was impressed. I left the house that day in search of her book, I searched in 2 counties with no luck. Finally, I decided I would check one last book store and hot damn! There the book was – last one too. I went and bought a set of 3 pound weights, went home and did her workout, to the best of my ability. After all, I hadn’t exercised since high school and I was 30 at the time.

Unfortunately, the next day I could barely move. Good thing I had the day off. I went ahead with the diet and workout and in 3 weeks, I noticed a difference in the way I felt, and a bit in the way I looked too.

The scary part was others noticed as well. I went on to lose 80 pounds, in about a year and a half, maybe a year and 3 months. Can’t remember for sure. But I kept the weight off for years!

Then I got pregnant, and went to hell with myself.

This all happened, oh, 1990 -91. Yup, that long ago. But I tell you: I believe in it and I know it works, which is why I will use lowfat and her workout, as will my son.

Get A WII

Get A WII

Yet another reason to get a WII. Or as Anderson Cooper (of CNN) says, a why.

Nintendo is getting ready to release Wii Fit, which is designed to help users get in shape while playing video games.

Get a WII for exercise and fitness.

Exercise For People Over 50

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Exercise For People Over 50

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can.

Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. Each day you’ll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks. Then try 5-lb. potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 10-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I’m at this level.)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks.