In this season of social distancing, we're all suddenly having to adjust to staying home all day every day. For many of our children, the loss of dance classes, gymnastics, swim lessons, and other opportunities to practice physical disciplines, can be an especially hard adjustment.
Even as a homeschooling family, used to being home most of the time, we find ourselves really missing dance class!
When we just need to move, but the weather's too cold or wet to be outside, these are the four online workout series that keep us sane! They're also free if you have Amazon Prime, which I love.
While YouTube may have some great workouts, I'm not comfortable with many of the ads, so I prefer a safely ad-free platform for online workouts with my kids.
THESE ARE OUR 4 FAVORITE ONLINE FAMILY WORKOUTS
If I could only have one online show that helped lead my kids through a physical activity - this would be my choice. I honestly LOVE this show. Jamie Amor does an absolutely charming job of leading kids through a series of yoga poses, all the while bringing them along with her on a variety of delightful adventures.
What I love about it: This can be done in a small space, just a yoga mat will do! The tone is positive, playful, and peaceful - all at the same time.
Drawbacks: The pace can feel alarmingly fast the first time through - I found myself struggling to keep up! But my kids adored it, and by the third episode I'd found myself enjoying the pace and keeping up without trouble. If you're overwhelmed at first, try giving it one or two more episodes.
The first time my kids and I did this workout together, my 6 year old said "Woooooow, Mom. This workout feels GREAT!" This is a great little workout for when you actually want to get your heart going and feel like you've done something. I find this workout works well for us in the mornings, and it's a lifesaver on cold and rainy days when the kids don't get as much outdoor time.
What I love about it: I really like the way this workout is made up of just a few moves, so that there's not too much to learn. The pace picks up right from the beginning, and then we're led through a nice little cool-down stretch at the end.
Drawbacks: This takes more space than yoga, you need room for each person to be able to walk forward and back, and side to side, 4 steps in each direction. We can still all four do this in our livingroom, but it does require shoving the couch out of the way.
Oooooh, my goodness. This one is just so darn cute, I love it. There's something so delightful about watching kids teaching other kids, and the youngsters who lead this series are just great. Each episode teaches a handful of new dance moves, that can be put together in a short routine by the end of the episode. Episodes build on each other so kids learn a substantial routine by the end of the series.
What I love about it: Aside from those adorable kids, I love getting to learn a few new moves with my kids, which we can have a blast with when we do our livingroom dance parties. This also fills in a bit of the hole left by dance class of wanting to learn new moves that go with upbeat music - it's just fun.
Drawbacks: If you don't like hip-hop, this one may not be your cup of tea.
Ok, this is not actually a kid's workout video per se. BUT - my kids and I love doing these videos together (they also have a second video, called In The Beginning), and we all enjoy these dancing workouts SO SO SO much more than the many animated or poorly-produced "kids workout" videos that are out there.
There is a definite Christian tone to these videos, so I understand if they're not for everyone, but the uplifting Christ-centered tone is something I really enjoy. I get a kick out their tagline: "Shape what the Father gave ya!" I totally snorted my coffee when I read that the first time I stumbled on these.
What I love about it: It's just a joyful dance workout with motivating music and doable moves, and it's fun. I love seeing the very normal humans of various sizes and ages who are included in the videos. And I respect what they stand for as a group (you can read more about them here.)
Drawbacks: This is best for kids 4+ (some younger kids may keep up, but most probably wouldn't.) Also, I really wish there were some children in these videos! These are GREAT for doing with kids because they're fun and upbeat, but the lack of youngsters keeps this from "feeling" like a kids workout. Also, if you don't enjoy hip-hop or R&B gospel, this might not be your favorite.
Those are our top 4 favorite online workouts to do together as a family! I hope you enjoy them as much as we have been. Online workouts have become a regular part of our routine during this season of social distancing - they're a lifesaver!
Please join the conversation! How are you staying active with your kids while stuck at home? Do you have other online workouts that you love? Please tell us in the comments below!
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Anna Chesley
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
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