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Tot Sauce: A Toddler's Guide to Fitness

by Amy Nance

If you haven't noticed yet, all this week this thing has been going on over at Sport.Woot. We're cramming all the fitness deals we can onto the site with the promise that Woot Will (make unsubstantiated claims to) Get You Ripped in 5 Days!

In that spirit, I figured this would be a good opportunity to share with you a few fitness tips from a kid's perspective. After all, it's never too early to start getting in shape!

Tip #1: Strength

 
As we said before, it's never too early to start building strength. Push-ups are a good place to start because upper body strength is critical to scaling your crib walls and dangling from the ledge of the dining room table when trying to retrieve a cookie that's just out of reach.
 

Tip #2: Agility

 
The sad truth is, until you're at least 12 or she breaks an ankle, your mom is going to be able to outrun you. So if you want to be able to dodge effectively while running with something super dangerous or breakable, you're going to need to start working on your agility now. Might we suggest an obstacle course?
 

Tip #3: Balance

 
If you're going to prove to your parents that you're capable of walking down the stairs like a big kid without breaking your neck, you need to work on developing your balancing skills. They'll also come in handy when you're playing that game where you're perched precariously on the arm of the couch and your parents are telling you to get down but you just giggle and stomp up and down instead.
 

Tip #4: Dexterity

 
As much fun and messy as it is, it's generally understood that civilized people don't eat with their hands. So if you ever want your parents to take you out in public to a nice restaurant, you're going to need to master the use of cutlery. Start practicing by sticking your finger in your nose. After all, if your aim is good enough to do that, a fork full of spaghetti to the mouth should be a breeze.
 

Tip #5: Hydration

 
After (and even during) a hard workout, it's important to replenish your body's natural water and apple juice stores. Skip the milk, especially on hot days, or your mom is going to be real sorry.
 

Tip #6: Indulgence

 
Remember that it's OK to cheat every once in awhile. If you didn't ever allow yourself a special treat, what would be the point of working so hard? The important thing is to really relish it, and not be too hard on yourself when it happens.
 

Tip #7: Rest

 
Make sure you get plenty of rest. Your body heals and rejuvenates itself while you sleep to ensure that you have plenty of energy for when you wake up in the middle of the night and scream for an hour just to let your mom know you're thinking about her and you love her.
 
So there you have it! A Toddler's Guide to Fitness. Have any tips of your own? Share them with us!