Long, long ago, in a galaxy right inside our mailbox, we received a number of items related to family fitness. We tested them out on our kids, pets, and students, and the following three look like winners!
First up is a book for younger kids, entitled “Wallie Exercises.” We’ve been sent kid fitness books before that were either so “preachy” or “lesson-y” that we had to scrape the gackle off our tongues before politely setting them aside. But this book does a good job of being upbeat and (somewhat) indirect about the need for kids to get out and move. The counselor side of me likes that the author, Steve Ettinger, who is also a personal trainer, emphasizes that kids need to choose the type of activity that’s right for them. Two other appealing factors: Ettinger gives exercise descriptions in the back of the book, and he acknowledges that exercise can be hard and not always enjoyable.
Book info: Wallie Exercises
Fudoo Food Board
Second on the list is a board game called Füdoo that helps kids older than 3 learn about healthy living. There is a board, magnets, handbook and marker in the set. I was looking for the mom that comes with it to explain the rules, but it would seem we are to learn the rules all by ourselves. The pictures on the magnets are appealing, and I like that the kids get to have control over the action. I also like that it involves the parent and the kid, so it’s definitely a family game. Double score: kids get their parents’ attention while learning good food habits. Of course, the implication is that the parent will be educated well enough about nutrition to be able to help the kid, but I guess parents who buy the game are going to be motivated to eat well or they wouldn’t get the game in the first place, eh? My one concern? Small parts. Not for the kid’s sake – for mine! When my kids were really young, I hated dealing with all the tiny pieces. But you may be more organized than I was back then! One main draw for me: the inventor, Sarah Vinch, has the tag line “Eat! Drink! Move! Think!” which is very holistic, and fully describes the four parts to the game.
Game info: Füdoo
The final item is for kids 5+ and adults, and is exercise-related. My main reason for liking the GetFitSu card game is that it has lots of exercises on the cards that I can use in my own classes! Yup, it’s all about me! Also, no equipment is needed. The inventor, Matthew Poster, is a formerly out-of-shape dad who wanted to create a fun way to get fit for (and with) his kids. I don’t quite understand the instructions, so shall use the cards in my own way, but my confusion is balanced out by the fact that Matthew does short videos for each of the exercises, so you can view any that don’t make sense. You can literally toss these cards into your purse or bag and work out almost anywhere, anytime. Maybe don’t do the ball exercises with high heels, though!
Card info: GetFitStayFit For lots more ideas on family workouts, subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube channel as well. (While you’re there, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel too?)
Readers: What family fitness products do you enjoy? And don’t say Twinkies!
We were not compensated for talking about these products; we just like them and are sharing our opinion!
Thank you for taking the time to review GetFitsu! I appreciate all the feedback I can get to make the game easier to use and or understand.
Get Fit Staying Fit (@GetFitStayFit_1) recently posted..Get Fit Staying Fit – Daily dose of fitness
You’re welcome. I love your exercises and your commitment to families. You are really an inspirational person.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..3 Advanced Plank Exercises
Well… I’m sorry to say I did not do any of this kind of stuff when the spawn was young. I just did not have it in me… either in spirit or will….
But on the bright side, he called and asked about nutrition the other day – ha!
Maybe there is hope!
Kris @Krazy_Kris recently posted..Jumprope | Conquering My Nemesis | The Reluctant Exerciser
Yes, my kid went to the Natural Products Expo and came home excited about blogging and good nutrition. So I agree with you about the hope thing.
AlexandraFunFit recently posted..Planks: Beginning to Intermediate
Thanks for sharing this products for family fitness. The first thing to consider in the family is the fitness and the proper nutrition as well.
Nicholle Olores recently posted..Timber Doors – The Perfect Choice for Your Home
I must say fitness in my house doing quite well. Me and my daughter loves volleyball and my huby goes to gym:)
Cindy recently posted..Love Dating Blog
This is a good product for family fitness and thanks for sharing it and Cindy me and my sister play volleyball about 15y just recreational
I love fitness but lately I didn’t have as much time for it as I wanted. Heard about GetFitSu, actually my friend has these cards and she told me only great positive things about it. Maybe I should give it a shot, too.
sarajah recently posted..Top 10 3D Models
My favorite family fitness experience so far this year is Just Dance 3…on the Oui. Sooooo much fun and my daughters will dance for hours (at least 2 hours each time). Of course, they score much higher on it than me
Ah, youth!
Darci recently posted..Do Fat People Have Sex?
Thanks for mentioning GetFitSu, never knew about this program and it looks great! i think that I may be able to introduce this to the kids and maybe, just maybe, get them to drop the PS3 controller for an hour or so.
Jessie recently posted..Car loan for bad credit history applicants
GetFitSu looks like a fantastic idea to get the whole family started in some type of physical exercise. Exercise can be boring for so many and at least it will add a bit of fun into it and we could even start to enjoy it as a family.
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