February is heart month.
It’s Valentine’s Day, reminding us that our hearts beat with love for
our families, pets, and friends. In
addition, February is also a reminder that our hearts need to be exercised and
strengthened every day – and we need to start when we are children. Children are natural movers and shakers! However, there are so many distractions that
can pull kids away from running and playing.
Instead they turn to sitting and staring at a screen, moving only their
eyes and fingers. Unfortunately, obesity
and the beginnings of diabetes can creep into a child’s health if exercise is
not encouraged.
We all know that exercise has many benefits; i.e., lower
blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, reduce anxiety and stress,
increase respiration and heart rate. The
heart beats faster and harder with aerobic activity.
How can the addition of music to an exercise program act
like a super vitamin boost?
- Music is motivating (dopamine is a brain chemical that helps people to feel engaged).
- Music increases enjoyment.
- Music energizes - and energy breeds energy!
- Music delays fatigue. It increases energy, which encourages exercising longer and harder.
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends
cardio exercise for toddlers at 60 minutes a day and for preschoolers at 120
minutes a day. Here are some musical
ideas for adding motivating fun to children’s exercise programs:
Toddler Gym CD –
dancing, playing, listening, following directions, learning new skills, move
with better coordination.
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All-Time Favorite
Dances CD – dancing is a joyful and fun way to get aerobic exercise. These easy-to-learn dances will also
encourage good social skills, improve memorization, rhythm, and motor skills.
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Wiggle Jiggle Fitness
Fun CD – critical developmental movement patterns set to upbeat music will
prepare children for more advanced exercise.
Ribbons & Rhythms
CD– rhythmic routines with ribbons, scarves and streamers incorporate cardio
movements set to very exciting, motivating music.
Rockin’ Aerobics
CD – jump-start their hearts and their brains with heart-healthy fitness
activities – guaranteed to get kids moving!
Multicultural Movement Fun CD – aerobic dances and movement songs use parachutes, bean bags and rhythm sticks, to add to the fun. Children will not only benefit from the exercise, but also learn about other lands and cultures. A heart-warming addition to any fitness program!
You’ll find hundreds of Kimbo CDs, and even an entertaining
selection of dance fitness DVDs, to get your kids jumping and moving. Give your children the gift of heart-healthy
movement fun. What a great way to show
some love and caring this Valentine’s Day!
