Getting the Wiggles Out

Jump, shimmy, and shake…

I can think of no better way for my children to expend the insurmountable energy they seem to harvest during the winter months.   How am I achieving this in my living room in the dead of winter?

Workout videos.

You got it.  Bring it on, Jane Fonda.  Hello, Jillian Michaels.  Welcome, Billy Blanks.  Not only is mama getting a workout, but the kids are too!

I happened upon this wonderful phenomenon a few weeks ago when I went to our TV onDemand fitness section.  I was spent, annoyed, ready to pull my hair out… and all I needed was a good workout.  The kids were playing, so I seized the moment and turned on a fitness video.  The trainer started me with some jumping jacks, followed by some stretching.  No sooner had I begun to hop but I looked around me and noticed three little boys imitating me and the guy on the video.  Very cool (and not to mention, completely adorable!) We did the the 30-minute video and before I knew it, I had my own personal endorphin boost and so did my kids.  We were all in great moods and our enthusiasm was infectious.  I had found a way to beat the winter blahs indoors.  To top it off, I was modeling a good fitness regimen for my children.

Just a quick mother word of caution: beware of certain videos and the clothing the women wear!  You’ll definitely want to censor before including your crew.  I recommend the Biggest Loser workouts, which include modestly dressed people of various shapes and sizes.  Good videos are out there, you just have to hunt for them!!

So root out that dusty Jane Fonda.  Or head to the store and pick up the latest from Jillian.  But whatever you do, include your kids as you get in shape in 2011.

Cheers to a happier, healthier, more energetic 2011, for me and my family!  Off to do some ‘jacks with the 2yo…