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Tips From The Trainer /Parent & Child

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 5, 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 playtime games. But Miller, 33, knows each one targets specific needs for young bodies and minds. Learning cooperation and teamwork skills is 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 are infants, toddlers or bigger kids.

This parent-and-child move works on motion and agility.

EXERCISE: LAP WALKOVER

Sit with your legs out straight and place your child on her back across your lap. Your child's head needs to be on the same side as your dominant arm.

Reach her hands to the carpet and tell her to keep hands in place.

Place your stronger arm across your child's tummy and grab her hips with both hands. Tell her to pick up her feet.

Lift your child by the waist and rotate her over your arm. Tell your child to make strong arms. (Like a backward roll over your lap.)

Your child lands on her feet.

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 keyword: Trainer.

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