5 stretches to do with your kids

Hi Alison,
​I'm really out of shape and have lots of aches and pains from tight muscles. What are some good, quick, simple stretches that I can do to start getting loosened up? [Bonus points if I can do them on the floor with my toddler!] 
- Sarah H., St. Peters

It can be tough to keep in shape with little ones around. I can't tell you how many times my yoga practices have become "Mommy-Gym" playtime. But studies show that setting positive examples of health and fitness for your children can make a lifelong impact on their health, so don't give up.  

I found 5 stretches that help warm up the muscles, get stagnant energy flowing, and are fun to do with your little ones. I tested them out with my boisterous little boy at our favorite place: the library! 

Deepen the stretch until you feel slight discomfort (no pain). Hold each stretch for about 15 seconds. Remember that everybody and every body is different, so be sure to contact your physician before changing up your routine.  

Check out the Summer Reading Program and theLibrary Calendar for lots of family wellness events this Summer! You can also check out fitness equipment for the whole family with the all new Fitness Kits. 

references

Flynn, Lisa. Yoga for Children: 200+ Yoga Poses, Breathing Exercises, and Meditations for Healthier, Happier, More Resilient Children. Avon MA: Adams Media, 2013. 

​Hahn, Frederick. Strong Kid, Healthy Kids: the Revolutionary Program for Increasing Your Child's Fitness in 30 Minutes a Week. New York: Amacon, 2009. 

Harrar, Sari. "How to Get Your Kids to Enjoy Exercise." Prevention. 3 Nov. 2011. 

more titles to check out from your library
​CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO RESERVE YOUR COPY FROM THE LIBRARY

Remember you can search all Ask Alison Recommended books in the Library Catalog. Click here!