Playtime Workout for Moms & Toddlers

Posted by: cloud9design on: June 17, 2008

• In: Family Fun | How-To | Mama & Kiddo Fitness | MOTHERHOOD | sahm
• Comment!

Playtime Workout for Moms and Toddlers

{From Go Workout Mom}

This workout only requires the body. Nursery Rhymes and children’s songs work wonders for the active toddler. Be creative and adjust activities for indoor or outdoor play.

• Ring-A-Round the Rosie: Hold hands, skip, run, or gallop in a circle. When everyone falls down, add a slow motion squat before landing. The children love to see us fall. You could probably get away with a few squats before your toddler is tugging at your arm to repeat the rhyme! Continue until toddler’s interest wanes or you’re tired of repeating the song and “falling” down.
• Ring around the rosies,
  A pocketful of posies.
  ashes, ashes.
  We all fall down!.

• Bear Crawl: Show your toddler how to do the Bear crawl. Keep your bottom in the air, knees soft (do not lock your knees), bring your knees up toward your stomach as you move, and keep your arms shoulder width apart. Make it a race from one end of the room/yard to the other end. Repeat around a tree or couch.

  

• Crab Walk: Show your toddler how to do the Crab Walk. Keep you arms soft (do not lock your elbows), push your stomach toward the sky (as you progress, you’ll form a flat plank from shoulders to knees), and keep your legs bent 90 degrees from the floor. This is great for your abs and triceps. Race around the room or yard!

{Image via Martha Stewart}

Are your arms feeling like jello? Are you breathing a bit heavier? Great! Isn’t it fun being a toddler again?

• I’m A Little Tea Pot: Here’s a stretching/less intensive activity to help you catch your breath. Switch up your arms as you repeat the rhyme.
• I’m a little tea pot
  short and stout
  here is my handle
  here is my spout
  when I get all steamed up
  hear me shout
  “Tip me over and pour me out!”

1. Stand in a semi-squat position (short and stout)
2. Put one hand slightly behind your back for a shoulder stretch (handle)
3. Stretch out your other hand/palm down about 45 degrees from your head (spout)
4. Stretch your obliques when bending over (Tip Me Over)

• Chase: Toddlers love it when you run after them. Since we’re already pretending to move at full speed, use this as an opportunity to take quick small steps as you chase them. This is similar to a boxer’s speed work. To really entertain your kids and change up the routine, you can also run after them using high knee steps.

Cool-Down My son loves to imitate what I do. Stretching is a great opportunity to go over basic body parts. Complete a few basic stretches to include your arms, legs, and abs. Talk your toddler through the moves. You’ll be surprised at how much they understand the different parts of their body!

Let your child and imagination lead the way for a playtime workout. Next time you’re sitting and watching your child/children play, jump in and join them. You’ll feel younger and happier as you see your children’s eyes light up with delight.

Part 2, with more fun ideas can be found here.

Tags: bear crawl, chase, crab walk, exercise, family, FITNESS, fun, i'm a little tea pot, indoor play, mama, mommy, nursery rhymes, outdoor play, play, playtime, rainy day play, ring around the rosie, sahm, toddler, workout