e-Mazine Fall 2011 Issue

Kids are always ready to play. Although most don't get as much activity as they could or should — just like many adults. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average child spends 5½ hours a day watching television, playing video games, or using the computer for activities other than schoolwork.

It's time to turn off the tube and tune in to some activity. How about you and a child each help each other out? Combining together time with play can add up to an awesome movement session for both of you.

Five reasons to team up with a little one

1. It's a health challenge — good for body and soul.

2. Kids can keep you motivated.

3. Creates a solid appreciation for a positive lifestyle. Start early, and kids will make movement part of everyday life.

4. Just playing like a kid can result in strength and cardiovascular benefits.

5. Bonding time.

Remember

• Keep it playful. No need to make it seriously competitive.

• Be flexible. Be ready to cut a play session short (or go longer). Kids go with how they feel at the moment. Roll with them.

• Think like a kid. Tap into your inner youngster, and see if you don't break a sweat without even trying.

PLAY-DATE ACTIVITY IDEAS

• Dance party — Gather a few kids and turn up the tunes.

• Tag — Rev up by trying to catch/stay away from running kids. Try this one in the shallow end of a pool, too.

• Hiking or off-road bike riding — Hit the uneven terrain with a youngster.

People throughout the world have practiced yoga for more than 5,000 years. It's estimated that more than 13 million people in this country use yoga.

It's not fully known what bodily changes occur during yoga, whether they influence health and if so, how. However, evidence suggests yoga does work to help with stress and mind-body awareness.

A couple of yoga techniques for beginners

• Behind the back arm hold — Bring arms together behind you, grabbing opposite forearm with each hand. Work to grasp as close to each elbow as you comfortably can. Pull shoulders back and down, lift chest. Hold position for five deep, slow breaths.

• Lower body let go — Start in a deep lunge position with fingertips touching the floor on either side of front foot.

Slowly straighten both legs. If fingertips don't touch the ground when legs are straight, slightly bend front knee. Keep torso squared, and breathe deeply in this position for a minute or two. Do both legs.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine