The joy of parents know no bound having their own children. It comes with responsibility that they have someone to nurture and cater for. someone that looks up to them. These little ones, cute as they can be, sometimes may be naughty and restless.
It is even more pronounced now that most children are out of school because of the coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Many children have had to stay back at home and cut off from school, social activities and any form of physical interaction.
In order to keep children active and lively, parents should try exercising with them. Exercising has many benefits, from keeping fit to staying in shape to fighting health complications. The role of exercising can not be ruled out in the life of an adult or child. Besides it is a great way for parents to bond with children and at the same time keep them physically and mentally sound.
Below are easy exercises parents can do with their children at home:
- Running
Children are normally energetic, it is good they divert that energy to something productive like running. As a parent, pace yourself as you run with them.
- Sit-ups/Push-ups
This may seem too intense for them but children can pick up easily. They are stronger than we think. Ensure you assist them to do these exercise at their own pace.
- Jumping
Jumping increases the heart beats and builds muscular strength. Try other methods with your children by doing jumping jacks and criss-cross feet.
- Squatting
Bend your knees and let your children copy you. Squatting builds leg strength to give them a head start for every other physical activity.
- Skipping
Just like jumping, skipping builds cardiovascular fitness. It is good way to unwind and at the same time keep fit.
- Stretching
After exercising with children, finish up with simple stretching to keep their muscles healthy and strong.