Kids, like adults, need their exercise. Just because they are young and their lifestyle is relatively a lot less stressful, it doesn’t mean we, as parents, should forego their physical routines. Exercises is good for the body in whatever age. And it would be really best if the kids get to exercise everyday, as much as adults do this.

Exercise benefits their young and active body because this will help build up stronger bones and muscles. Do remember that the kids are still developing their body and that a healthy physical activity does help.

The exercise routines need not be very complicated. There are plenty of exercise videos designed for kids available and they are especially fun for kids to do. Most of these routines involve simple dancing and moving about but it encourages the children to spend less time in front of the television or computer.

It may even be more fun if you participate in the exercise together with your children and make this a family event.

In fitness studios, there are special children’s class that you can enroll your kids into. By having them join this will also help boost their confidence and social skill level. It’s a good way for them to make friends, aside from building and toning their body that makes them feel really good about themselves.

Additionally, kids can also get involved with competitive sports as a form of exercise.

Some people actually plan their pregnancies–unlike most people in my family.  And really, that’s the best way to go, to choose the next major turn your life will take, rather than have it thrust upon you because you had too many margaritas on New Year’s Eve. 

There are a lot of things to think about if you’re considering getting pregnant.  For this post, I’ll concentrate on getting your body ready, but in the next few posts we’ll talk about your couple-relationship, your finances, and your job.

First, begin taking a multivitamin.  You want your daily recommended allowance of everything, but it’s important that you have plenty of folic acid and calcium.  Folic acid is important in the first trimester for the fetus’ normal neurological development, and calcium is important because the baby’s skeletal development draws calcium from the mother’s system.  If the mother doesn’t get enough calcium, it will be drawn from her bones and teeth.

Next, check with your ob/gyn.  Tell her that you’re thinking about getting pregnant sometime in the next year (or whatever time period you’ve determined).  Follow her advice and counsel.  Get any info you need about your birthing options; that’s not a decision you and your partner will make overnight, so the earlier you know what is available to you, the better.  Ask about any difficulties she might anticipate with conception or carrying.

Get in shape.  If you have a fitness discipline, keep it up.  If you don’t, it’s time to start one.  Try to shed those few extra pounds, and build up your heart, lung, and muscle strength.  Your exercising will be limited during pregnancy, and you’ll be gaining weight at the same time, so you want to do whatever you can now.

Start getting more aware of your body.  Pay attention to your cycle.  Chart your period and when you ovulate.  Notice how you feel during those times.  Discuss these things with your partner, so that you get more comfortable talking about the intimate details of your body together.  If you’re having trouble conceiving, this awareness will serve you well.  When you do conceive, if you know your own body well, you’ll know it verysoon after.

Kegels, Kegels, Kegels.  These are simple exercises you can do anywhere to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles; these are the muscles that support the uterus.  This will strengthen the muscles you’ll use during pregnancy and childbirth, but will also serve you well in other areas.  All you do is squeeze your vaginal mucles together as though you were starting and stopping the flow of urine.  The stronger you can make these muscles, the easier your birthing experience will go, and the sooner everything will be back in nice, tight shape afterward.

Practice.  Making babies is fun!  It also helps build intimacy between you and your partner.  You probably better start working on it now, so when the time comes, you’ll be ready to go. 

Have fun!