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Tips From The Trainer/Parent & Child

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 15, 2008

When Mary Miller opened My Gym Children's Fitness in Westchase, she incorporated life as a mother of three with her lifelong interest in fitness. The former gymnastics instructor operates the center and creates games and exercises that promote age-appropriate physical development.

At My Gym and similar children's fitness centers, the workouts more resemble play-time games. But Miller, 33, knows each one targets specific needs for young bodies and minds. Learning cooperation and teamwork skills are just as important as learning the proper technique for a somersault, she says.

Many of the exercises also offer parents an opportunity to burn a few calories and spend time with their little ones, whether they be infants, toddlers or bigger kids.

This move works on cooperation and strengthening the quad muscles. Larger children and parents can do this together, or two children of similar size.

EXERCISE: BACK TO BACK STAND UP

Children start sitting back to back. Feet are on the ground, legs bent at the knees.

Have them link arms at the elbow.

Each partner slowly pushes up, against their partner's back, to a standing position.

Once standing, partners should work together to sit back down, slowly and at the same time.

Repeat several times.

Need help learning the steps to this exercise? Follow along with a video of personal fitness trainer Mary Miller and her children demonstrating this move at TBO.com, Keyword: Trainer

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