Get Moving…Energetic Junior Games!

At the Creative Kitchen we are all about healthy, balanced diets but it’s also important to take care of our bodies by staying active. You’re never too young or old to flex those muscles, so what are you waiting for? Let’s get moving!

Our friends at Energetic Juniors showed us some fun ways to pick up the pace this summer. When was the last time you had this much fun with cabbage?!

DON’T DROP THE CABBAGE

This is an eye-hand coordination game that also helps improve catching and throwing skills… and takes playing catch to a new fun level! You and your child start very close, facing each other. Toss the ball back and forth, while saying “don’t” then “drop” then “the” and finally “cabbage.” After completing the sentence you both move one giant step back. Whoever drops the “cabbage” (the ball) must then do a fun exercise or movement. For example, hop, gallop in a circle, jump and lift the ball overhead or simply do a push-up or sit-up.

The Family Fit Obstacle Course

A great way to get in a fun workout for you and your children is by creating an obstacle course.

You will need some stations. Let the kids help with this. Children often come up with a very creative approach.

Here is what you will need to do:

1) Set up 4-6 Stations.

Station 1 = Throwing stuffed animals into a bucket
Station 2 = Jumping Jacks
Station 3 = Sit-ups
Station 4 = Push-ups or plank holds
Station 5 = Jump Rope

If the weather is nice you can do this activity in a playground using the jungle gym, ladders, slides and swings.

2) Designate what kind of movement you would like to do as you travel to each of the stations. It could be skipping, jogging, jumping, etc.

3) Time it: Spend 30 seconds at each station before moving on to the next one. Try to see if you can complete 3 rounds.

An obstacle course not only provides a great workout for you and your family, but it provides an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your child.

By Ginger Merritt, an Energetic Juniors Trainer and a Certified Yoga Instructor. For more great activity tips contact Energetic Junions at 212-879-1566 or email to bonita@energeticjuniors.com. To find out more contact bonita@energeticjuniors.com or visit www.energeticjuniors.com