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We all have great intentions of exercising, but it is tough to find the time! Sometimes the best thing is to involve your kids in your workout. Here are five exercises you can do with your toddler. They will keep your toddler laughing, and you will work up a sweat and show them how fun exercise can be.
1. Plank Tunnel
Get into a plank position on your knees or toes with your hands directly under your shoulders. As you hold this position, encourage your toddler to crawl under you through the tunnel your body creates.
2. Up/Down Push-ups
From the same plank position on either your knees or toes, perform a push up as you sing this little song to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.” Your toddler will learn about up and down, and they may even try some “push-ups” of their own.
When you’re up your up (hold the upper part of your push up)
When you’re down your down (lower to the bottom of your push up)
And when you’re only half way up (hold half way)
You’re neither up (press to top of push up)
Or down (lower to bottom of push up)
3. In/Out squat hops
Start with your feet together (in) and lower into a squat, then jump your feet to a wide squat (out) and repeat. As you do this, say the words “in” and “out” and encourage your toddler to try moving their feet in and out as well.
4. Slow/Fast Run
With feet shoulder width apart, move your feet and arms as you run in place. Then alternate your speed between slow and fast, saying the words as you do. If your toddler is anything like mine, they will crack up laughing when you go fast.
5. Tickle Crunch
Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Let your toddler sit on your stomach. Start into some basic crunches and each time you crunch up tickle your little ones tummy.
So there you go, five simple exercises you can do with your toddler! Here’s an easy way to combine them: put on some music and set a timer for 1 minute intervals, do each exercise for 1 minute, repeat the whole series 3 times for a 15 minute workout.
Now given that you are exercising with a toddler, your workout will likely not go as planned. Diaper changes, melt downs, or snack time may interrupt, but don’t be discouraged, just pick back up where you left off when the interruption is over. Hopefully by the end your toddler will look like this …. totally worn out!
Autumn Bonner lives in San Diego with her surf-loving husband and sweet baby girl Sienna. She loved growing up in an active family where she learned to love exercise and now works to empower other moms to live healthy lives and set an example for their kids through her online fitness program Tailored Fitness. You can connect with Autumn at MyTailoredFitness.com, Facebook or Instagram.
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