Toddler Gym Class

Toddler gym class is an activity that can be done in all 4 seasons! I am extremely passionate about being physically active and I want my toddler to share that passion. I hope that if she is given the option to watch television or play outside, I hope that she always chooses the latter. In order to ensure this, I try to make outdoor time as appealing as possible. The toddler gym class activity was designed to inspire movement and introduce your little one to physical fitness!

What you need:

For gym class, all you will need are some balls and a mat. I use my yoga mat, but a blanket or large towel would work in a pinch.

I like to have a game plan (really it is just a small list on a piece of paper or my phone) of the activities that we will be attempting in our gym class that day. This is necessary because I have an awful memory and I like to have a plan. It is also helpful to ensure that I am not doing the same exercises every single time. You can find some of our gym class routines here.  

Steps:

First, think about some simple exercises to do (or borrow one of our routines). Head outside to set up your station. Place the balls on the ground and lay out the mat while you warmup.

For warmup, Start off with something small like arm circles or stationary leg kicks. Ask your toddler to mirror what you are doing.

Once your little one is ready, move on to the next exercise. The next exercises might look something like this: 

Jumping Jacks

Practice kicking or throwing a ball

Dance to a song 

Reaching on tip toes

Spinning in circles

Balancing on one foot

Yoga poses – toddlers are pretty good at downward dog, cobra and planks!

Rolling

Punching air

Running (I chase my daughter around the mat until she gets tired!)

Explain how to perform the motions and help them practice if they are having trouble. Always praise their effort! If they lose interest in an exercise, skip to the next one.

Have a cooldown. Lay on your backs and count clouds or look for squirrels in the trees. Sit your little one on your lap and sing a song. Have a slow walk. Try some deep breaths on your mat. Roll the ball back and forth. Any slow, calming activity can be your cooldown.

This activity can be as short or long as you decide. In my experience, about half an hour is a good goal. I prefer to do it before naptime so I know that my daughter will have a great snooze!

I always do every exercise alongside my little one. If you have other children, have them join in as well! I also like to have my toddler’s playlist bumping on the Bluetooth speaker in the background. It is pretty common to sing and dance during exercise in my family! As you know, the right music during your workout matters. Sometimes my daughter would rather dance than follow whatever it is I am doing. As you know, any plan with a toddler has to be flexible. As long as your toddler is active, be grateful!

I will definitely be building upon this activity to make it a larger part of my page in the future because I am so enthusiastic about inspired movement. Stay tuned!

Exercise benefits toddlers much in the same ways as it does us – numerous physical and mental health benefits. The main difference is that toddlers are currently building their foundation for all types of movement and they are doing so many things for the very first time. As parents and caregivers, it is up to us to make sure that they have a positive introduction to physical fitness!