Exercising with a toddler at home can seem difficult. With some patience, and creativity, you will find that working out with a toddler running around is beneficial. Toddlers are full of energy, and if you focus that energy away from getting into everything in your home, you will find that energy infectious. Showing your toddler that you exercise on a regular basis, will help build a solid foundation in healthy living for him.
Get Them Involved
Toddlers enjoy doing the things Mom and Dad do. Getting your toddler involved in your workout will make her feel like a big girl. This also allows you to focus on getting your exercise routine completed. Allow your toddler to impersonate you throughout your workout. This works exceptionally well when you are stretching, doing yoga or other exercise that requires nothing more than your body. Activities, such as step aerobics and lifting even the lightest weights, should not be mimicked. If your workout becomes too intense, consider having your toddler only copy your warm-up. Place him in front of you with a few favorite toys while you finish your workout. This way you can keep an eye on his activities and he can watch you and play exercise if he chooses.
Dance
Dancing burns calories and many toddlers love to dance to the music. Play upbeat music and get your toddler to dance with you. Do not worry about steps or which muscle groups you are working. Dancing is an aerobic activity and as long as you are increasing your heart rate, choreography does not matter. Let your child lead the dancing. She will love that you are copying her dance moves. Beware that copying your toddler may lead to fits of laughter on both your parts instead of actual exercise. Be willing to change songs if your child seems to lose interest in a song. Your biggest challenge with dancing with your toddler will be keeping his interest in what you are doing.
Mommy and Me Yoga
Check your local gym or community center for Mommy and Me yoga classes. These yoga classes allow you and your child to learn basic yoga along with other children of the same age. Video classes are another option for parents who are not near a gym or community center that offers Mommy and Me classes. Your toddler will probably enjoy having her own yoga mat, bag and water bottle, just like Mom and Dad. Teaching proper technique of even the most basic yoga poses will ensure your child does not hurt himself during yoga class. Having a firm foundation will also prepare her for coming yoga classes as she ages.
Toddler Weights
You should not give your toddler his own set of weights, but you can use him as load for you to lift. Not only is using your toddler as your weight cheaper than buying a weight bench, but your toddler will likely enjoy being picked up repeatedly. Use your toddler's body for arm curls and leg lifts. When using your child as a weight, make sure you always have a firm hold on him, never lift him while he is behind your back and never lift him over your head. Using your toddler as a load will not constitute a complete exercise routine, but it is an enjoyable way to build a little weight training into the rest of your exercise schedule.
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