The 12 Days of (Christmas) Exercises: #11

The end of our 12 Days of (Christmas) Exercises is drawing near as today is day #11! So far we've worked our lower body with lunges, squats, wall sits, calf raises, and more. We've worked our upper body with bicep curls, tricep dips, arm circles and we even snuck in some core work too... so what to do with one of our last days of Christmas? How about some CARDIO?! Cardio bursts raise your heart rate, challenge your endurance level, and can be a lot of fun if you're creative with them! Here are some ideas to get your heart rate pumping and keep your kiddos entertained while you do it:

• Get your feet moving with some Maniacs (also known as "happy feet" or "fast feet") in front of your child and surprise them with tickles. Name the body parts you're tickling and it turns into a little educational time too.
• Use your arms in a cardio burst and do some Jumping Jacks! Involve your children by counting aloud while you do it... mix it up by counting Spanish, French or any other language in which you can count to 10!
• Is your house a bit on the messy side? Playroom littered with toys? Make it a game! Get low (no rear ends in the air, please!) and Side Shuffle about the room cleaning things up as fast as you can. The result- a quick cardio burst and a clean floor!
• Out for a walk in the neighborhood? Integrate your cardio bursts into your walk. Pick a spot ahead of you and Sprint to reach it- full speed ahead! When you get there return your pace to a power walk or jog and get ready for the next sprint. Have your little ones help you select your next goal... the big tree, the stop sign, or the inflatable snowman in the front yard and have fun with it!

Have you been following our 12 Days of (Christmas) Exercises? Tell us what you'd like to see for Day #12!