Get Active with Different Types of Exercise

Walking is not the only exercise you need - try some other types of exercise for even more benefits and fun! Your kids need plenty of exercise and different types too.

Okay, so hopefully you’re adding in exercise to your day.  Should you just focus on weight lifting? Or just jogging?  That might be okay for a little while, but really you need several types of exercise.  Don’t worry – they aren’t that difficult! And you can get your whole family in on the fun! Remember, small steps can add up in the long run.

Cardiovascular exercise is also called endurance or aerobic exercise.  This type increases your breathing and heart rate.  It helps keep your heart and lungs healthy.

Strength training can also be called resistance training or weight lifting.  This type helps your muscles get stronger.

Flexibility exercise, or stretching, keeps your body flexible.  It helps prevent injuries.

Balance exercises improve your stability and can help prevent falls. 

You can work on your calf muscles, ankle strength, and balance by doing calf raises (while brushing your teeth, or watching TV).  Challenge your kids to hold that Tree pose longer than you.  Try out a yoga class, or ask your kids to do yoga they’ve learned at school with you!  

If you need help learning the ropes, check out our facts sheets at the link.  If you want to try strength training, join one of our ExtensionGetFit classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at either 9:00 a.m. or 4:45 p.m.  

Do your kids get enough activity?  They need even more than you – 60 minutes every day!  They too need a variety of activity – muscle-strengthening, bone-strengthening, and aerobic activity.  That’s not too hard for most kids but it may get harder as they get older.  Screen time, school activities, and less P.E. may mean that your kids need more activity.  Not sure? Try this!

While reading a blog and seeing social media posts are great (keep it up!), they may not be enough for you to take those small steps and incorporate healthy habits into your life.  When I pull up a map on my phone, I always see a cute little dot that shows me where I am at the moment.  That’s really helpful when I’m trying to find a new place or need directions.  If I don’t know where I am, I can’t really figure out where I’m going.  That works with changes too.  I have a survey to help you see where you are right now.  It might be a little long but it will give you a good overview of where you are on your map.  Then, you’ll set up a trip of small steps to take you where you want to go. I’ll help you along your journey with emails, social media, this blog, and some monthly Fun Fridays where you’ll meet others on the journey and have fun learning! Start HERE.