Exercise is important for people of any age, but with many schools drastically shortening or cutting out recess, it’s especially important for children. Kids need physical activity to help them focus, get out excess energy, and more. In fact, increased physical activity has been linked to higher academic performance! Although my daughter goes to a school that offers both yoga and dance as well as free play opportunities, she’s one of the most active children I know. She is always ready for an opportunity to move her body. When we were offered the chance to try the progressive exercise program MY FIRST WORKOUT®, designed by Certified Personal Trainer and Founder, Michelle Miller, in exchange for our honest opinions, we obviously jumped on the chance.
What Are the Benefits of My First Workout?
Michelle has over 20 years’ experience in the fitness industry as both a group exercise instructor and a personal trainer, so she knows her stuff. It’s no wonder MY FIRST WORKOUT® won Creative Child Magazine 2019 Product of the Year and a National Parenting Product Award and is recommended by a pediatrician.
As someone who exercises regularly to help combat anxiety, I believe that exercising with your children is a great way to connect and stay healthy at the same time. However, exercise can be boring for an adult and feel positively mindless to a kid. It’s important to find activities you both enjoy. For us, that includes soccer, yoga, and now, MY FIRST WORKOUT®.
Critter loves the simple but effective exercises. I like that it has enough variety to keep it from feeling rote and tired. Once you’re experienced with the first round of exercises (included in box), you have the opportunity to buy more fitness programs using the same equipment. The beginner’s exercises that come in the package are perfect for people who are just beginning to get into formal exercises (like your kids) and who are dipping their toes back into exercise. Ahem. Like the tired mom working out with the kid.
What’s Included in My First Workout?
Other than the access to Program #1, MY FIRST WORKOUT® includes two sets of free weights (2 pounds and 3 pounds), a small four-pound sand ball, a jump rope with kid-sized handles, a nonskid exercise mat, and an aerobic step that can be flipped upside down and used for storage when not in use. It also comes with a wrist sweatband. The program comes tailored to one of two age groups, ages 5-7 or ages 8-10.
One of the first things Critter noticed when she saw the MY FIRST WORKOUT® kit arrive at our house was the workout mat. For a long time, she’s used my extra yoga mat. Finally, having an exercise mat of her very own made her ready to work out. She was pulling equipment out of the box before I even knew what was happening! She pulled the sweatband on and was ready to get down to business.
Now, Critter is a very active child (as evidenced both by her school curriculum and her hobbies), but you should always consult a pediatrician before starting an exercise program with your child. MY FIRST WORKOUT® does ease you into exercise, but speaking to your child’s doctor is important before making any diet or exercise changes, even positive ones. Once the pediatrician gives you the green light, you’re ready to start the program! Despite the proven benefits of exercise, it can be hard to figure out where to start. Luckily, MY FIRST WORKOUT® takes care of that for you.
If you’re starting an exercise program with your child, here are a few things you need:
- Comfy, breathable clothes that are easy to move in. It’s important to wear the right clothes while exercising!
- Water, water, water. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things to do while exercising. We like to keep full reusable water bottles on hand at all times.
- Comfortable shoes. Wearing supportive shoes that don’t pinch your toes or rub your heel will make exercising much more pleasant.
- A post-workout snack. Exercising can make you hungry. You’ll want to refuel to help your muscles build themselves up! A banana is a great post-workout snack because it’s full of potassium.
- Music! This may not be a necessity for everyone, but I can’t work out without a great playlist. Working out with music has been shown to make you run faster. That isn’t my goal, but it doesn’t hurt, right?
Do you exercise with your kids? What is your workout must-haves?
Ohh, indeed a great idea. You gave me a cool way to do it. Next thing is to really try it our with my baby boy. Let’s see if this will work on our end.
Glad you have started I am planning to start still not started yet. Doing workout with kids will be always fun.
Oh my goodness what an awesome idea. Our kids are grown, but I kind of did this in my younger years, when I was working out at home. My neice always wanted to join in.
I love this idea. Starting out so young with healthy habits will lead to a lifetime of healthy benefits. Adorable!
I think this is such a great idea. Having them start out at a young age is so great. My kids love a nice workout as well.
It’s great to get kids excited about being active and playing. I think it’s important to set up positive lifestyle habits early on. This looks like a fun set
My boys love working out. This is probably because they do football though. Also, one day a weekend we all go on a long family-run and occasionally they’ll work out with me when I do my daily workout session. I could definitely see My First Workout being beneficial during the early days of forming a workout routine with kids, though.
I think kids are totally the best workout buddies. Aside from kids having health benefits they can also have fun at the same time. Thanks for the idea.
What a nice bonding with kids. I can imagine exercising with kids isn’t it easy but it’s totally worth it. Sounds a great idea.
I love that this instills the importance of exercise from a young age. She seems to be enjoying herself as well!
Oh my goodness. This is so fun. I love making fitness and wellness FUN for kids. What an awesome idea!
Oh bless what a cute looking exercise regime for a little one. It seems like she really enjoys it as well.
These are awesome tips. I love exercising with my kiddos. We typically use small weights and yoga mats.
I have been working out since I was 21 after having my son. I was so out of shape and really overweight. Its been 40 years now and I’m still working out with hand weights and walking many miles. I use to do step aerobics for many years until my knees told me that was enough. Your daughter is just adorable!! Keep going and never stop.
You can never start too young! I love inspiring children to start doing yoga at an early age. It is my favorite way to release stress and tension. Your daughter is a doll. I will send this to my cousin who has a 3 year old. She would love it!
I love the kid-sized exercise mat. This is a fun way to encourage kids to work out at an early age.
This sounds awesome. I would try it out. And I think my kids would have fun too. My daughter loves to move around. My son might need convincing, but he’d eventually do it.