Sunday, September 30, 2007

Everyday Essential #4: A Healthy Family and Children Need To Play and Exercise!

Exercise! Please don't talk about exercise! I know what you are thinking all of you moms and dads with families and responsibilities. You are saying, "I really don't have time to , I am way too busy and way too tired!" Well just to let you know I am writing to myself in this blog too because I think those same exact things. I really do make all the excuses in the world as to why I can't exercise. However, I'm not growing younger and the time is now to show my children how to have a lifestyle.

Doctors recommend that everyone get moderate exercise 3-4 times a week for 30-60 minutes, including children. As for your that does not mean they are to go out and jog for an hour or lift weights. They can get their exercise simply by going outside to . Kids seem to finds ways of burning off their energy when you get them outside. What is even better is to go outside with them and you get your exercise at the same time. Exercise is for everyone because the only way to maintain optimal health is by activating it by moving your body!

Some of the important benefits of everyday exercise or moving our bodies are:
  • Increased circulation of blood and oxygen to our cells, body tissues and organs
  • Increased lung capacity
  • Strengthening of muscles and bones
  • Stimulates the lymph system to facilitate detoxification
  • Stimulates metabolism
  • Enhances digestion and elimination processes
  • Helps to prevent cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol
  • Increases mental clarity
  • Overall sense of well being
  • Decreased hyperactivity in children
  • Helps to prevent obesity, weight control issues and diabetes
  • Reduces stress

One of the best and easiest ways of exercise that I love is rebounding. What is rebounding you may ask? It is basically jumping on a mini trampoline. It is easy because it doesn't have a negative impact on your joints and it can be done at any level of fitness. I feel that it is one of the best ways to exercise because it is so effective.

Rebounding can reduce body fat, strengthen and tone all of the muscles of the body, provide an aerobic workout, improve balance and coordination(which is great for growing children), and rejuvenates you when you are tired. When you are jumping on the mini trampoline your body is working with gravity to cleanse and oxygenate your tissue cells, which in turn lightens the load on your heart. Rebounding helps your body rid itself of toxins and metabolic wastes by pumping your lymph system.

No matter what your fitness level you can start with just the "health bounce." Basically you bounce on the trampoline without lifting your feet off of the mat. But no matter what exercise you choose to do you can always start out slow and work your way up to more moderate to intense exercise.

As the Nike commercial says "Just Do It!" Just make it something fun and enjoyable that you can stick with. You will soon find that everyone in the is much happier!

-Barbara