print view

Did you realize that from their very beginning we have been teaching our children about fitness? It begins the first time you take their little feet and move their legs back and forth or try pulling them up by their hands. So why not make fitness a part of their everyday routine and show them how much fun it can be. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

When your child is just a baby you can begin a fitness routine that will become a part of their everyday life. Start by pretending they are riding a bicycle with their legs. They will laugh and you will be strengthening their leg muscles. You can also do the same with their arms by moving them as if they are swimming.

As your child becomes a toddler you will see them watching you as you do your daily exercising. Let them play along. They won’t hurt themselves as long as you keep a close eye on them. They’ll get a kick out of repeating what Mom is doing, even if it isn’t exactly the same and you’ll get a good laugh as well.

As your child grows into preschool age, start teaching them that walking is a great way to exercise. Let them walk around the yard or hand and hand with you around the block. They will enjoy the sights and never realize they are exercising. Preschoolers also love to dance. Make dancing around the house a part of their day. They will love dancing with Mommy a half hour or more each day.

As your child grows older they will be able to start doing sit ups, pull-ups, push ups, jumping jacks and more strenuous types of exercise with you. As you are exercising think of it as a great time to talk to your child. This will also help exercise their mind. For your child this will not only be a time of exercise, but a time of enjoyment spent with Mom one on one.

As your child grows into a teenager you will see that you have set a foundation for them in the exercise department. They will want to continue to exercise because it’s a normal and fun part of their life. They will also carry this into their adult life and continue the tradition with their own families, because it’s much more fun to exercise with those you love.