When I was a kid, I preferred reading to running around. My parents were constantly telling me to “put down that book” and go outside to play.
It’s more important than ever to get our kids moving, and now picking up a book can help – if that book is part of the “Adventure In Exercise” series from Len Saunders. Fitness veteran Saunders has served as a consultant to Sports Illustrated for Kids and The President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, and as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.
The first two books in his new series for kids (ages 2-7) are Joey the Kangaroo and Spunky the Monkey.
Joey is a kangaroo who sports an 80’s-style headband and loves to exercise. His story takes kids through 10 different physical activities, including walking in place, jumping pretend rope, balancing on one foot, jumping jacks, push-ups, toe touches, curl ups, walking up stairs, arm twists and running in place. A section for grown-ups at the end of the book explains the benefits of each exercise.
Spunky the monkey is more of an adventurer. On his walk through the forest, he encounters a variety of other creatures – each of which inspires a different physical activity. Spunky encourages kids to jump like a frog, flap like a bird, slither like a snake and curl up like a bug. This book includes charts at the back that focus on and help parents and kids track progress in two different activities every day. Three different skill levels are provided for each activity, so the exercises keep up with kids’ increasing fitness.
The books cost under $10, and you can find out more at www.fitkidsbooks.com.
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