Exercise for Kids

Just as it is important for us to exercise as adults, it's also important for our kids to get plenty of time outside and exercise. Schools today have, sadly, cut down on exercise and gym class a great deal. Many of the budget cuts in American schools mean that kids aren't getting out of their chairs much and aren't getting the exercise that they need. We all know that children today are fatter and less healthy than they used to be. So, what can we do about it? If possible, we need to get our kids moving and away from all of the electronic temptations they have at home. Sitting in front of the television, or playing on the computer, does nothing for their bodies. The best way to get kids to exercise, however, isn't to force them. They should naturally enjoy being outside and doing activities that will allow their bodies to move. Encourage your children to go outside after school and to play. They can ride a bike, skateboard, rollarblade, or even take a walk. With younger kids, this will, of course, require you to get up and move as well.

Additionally, children learn by example. If they see you inside all day long, they will follow suit. If, instead, they see that you want to get out as well, and you are even willing to throw on a pair of rollarblades with them, then they are much more likely to want to exercise. Don't, in any way, tell them that they need to exercise. They don't even need to know what that is. They just need to be encouraged to be out and about and to enjoy their time outside. This is good for them physically, and it's also productive emotionally. Enjoy the great outdoors and get moving!

Feeling Great About Yourself

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Really. Most of us spend time concentrating on our bodies and trying to get into shape or to stay in shape. At least we talk about doing so, and hope that we will do so at some point. But few of us take the time for our mental health. It seems funny, in our busy lives, to think that we should take time out for ourselves; that we need time to relax, to reflect on our lives and to energise ourselves. But, we really do. So, here are some suggestions for how to keep your mental health in check when your life is spinning before your eyes.

1. Night time routine - Most people are willing to do something to relax at night. Once the kids are in bed, the lunches are made, the work is done...take a bubble bath, read a book in bed, or listen to some calming music. Television usually doesn't count in this area. It doesn't really help you to unwind. But, if it's something that really brings you satisfaction, then you can use this as well.

2. Take a day off of work for yourself - Really! Can you imagine how great it would be to take an entire day off of work, not because a child is sick or you need to get something done. This is a day off just for yourself. Do anything that you want to do - it's your day.

3. Turn your phone off for an entire day over the weekend. Imagine how great it would be not to answer the phone, not to think about anything for an entire day and to relax however you want to.

This are just a few of the many ways to give yourself a mental health day. Try it - you just might find that you really like it!

Kick Boxing

Have you ever tried kick boxing? I know that might sound like a funny question - but kick boxing is a great form of exercise that's incredibly entertaining and enjoyable. And...it's really hard work! No wonder boxers are in such good shape. It's really difficult work that uses the entire body. Many gyms offer some form of a boxing or kick boxing class. It's worth trying it out. One of the key ingredients to doing consistent exercise is finding something that you enjoy - and varying your routinue so you don't get terribly bored. Many of us get bored with the exercise that we do, and this causes two problems. First, it means that we are more likely to skip it periodically or do it with less energy and enthusiasm. Secondly, it means that we are not being challenged as much each time that we do the same thing. It's often important to vary your workout so that you use new muscles at times and so that you can push yourself to new heights.

I often fool myself by saying, "Well, I went for my 20 minute walk today - I'm covered." Just because I'd like to say that I accomplished my excercise for the day doesn't mean that my body is fooled! I have to keep pushing myself in order to make it count. Kick boxing is a great way to make it count. Try it out sometime - you may be surprised by how much you enjoy it!