Parent and Child Exercises

Many studies have been done on the parent and child relationships that grow closer and develop through people who practice movement and exercises together.

The purpose of exercising with your child is two-fold: you bond with your child AND you get a great workout. Not to mention the fact that you’re acting as a great role model.

When exercising functionally you can use your child as a weight. When doing Pilates or Yoga you can incorporate your child very easily. They’ll love to use your body as a jungle gym.

THE EXERCISES

1. Walking Lunges (hold child in arms as you take long, deep steps)
2. Shoulder Presses (bring baby up over head, then back to shoulder height)
3. Abdominal Work (great especially after just having a baby!) (2 Options)
a) Roll like a Ball (sit on ground, holding baby in lap. Pick feet off floor and roll back, rolling back up without touching feet to floor)
b) Boat Pose (Stay seated and extend legs at 45 degree angle, hold baby in lap)

Get creative! Just because they get older and they’re not light in weight anymore doesn’t mean you can’t exercise with them. If they’re teenagers, run a race out in front of your house or join a team sport together. Your family will be better for it.