“As soon as the infant is able to crawl, to walk, you want to let them get moving.”

– Dr. Rakale Collins Quarells, Ph.D., Morehouse School of Medicine

Obesity and its dangers are constantly in the headlines — and gyms everywhere are filled with people trying to lose weight and stay in shape. But now there is a new group of people to be found running, jumping and stretching. The difference: they’re still in diapers, and have just learned to walk.

Maggie Morris leads an exercise class for two-year-olds at My Gym, a national fitness chain for children.

“Now put your arms out, and across! And out, and across!” says Maggie, as the toddlers follow her lead. In some cases, the babies’ moms move their arms for them. “And give yourself a really big hug!” says Maggie.

In this class, the children run, jump on trampolines, even flip on the uneven bars.

“The earlier you start them exercising,” she says, “the earlier they are moving and having a good time doing it and enjoying the exercise, the longer they are going to do it through out their life.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends kids as young as two years of age get an hour of exercise, every day.

Experts say babies can manage even difficult tasks — like hiking, swimming, or gymnastics.

“Can you put your hands down for me?” says Maggie as she talks a two-year-old girl through a forward roll. “Now tuck your chin, look at your belly, and go over! Very good!”

“We’ll have parents come in here and go, ‘Oh I don’t think she can do it,’” says Maggie, “and we’ll try it with them, and parents shocked that they can do that. I mean, it is amazing what children are capable of – you just have to give them the chance.”

Some experts are now saying that babies should be moving the entire time they are awake- — at least 10 hours a day.

“As soon as they are able to be mobile, let them be mobile,” says Dr. Rakale Collins Quarells, an associate research professor of Community Health and Preventive Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine.

That means crawling instead of sitting, walking instead of riding in a stroller – and vigorous play.

“Another suggestion that we had for families is to turn on the radio and start dancing. Crazy dances,” says Dr. Collins Quarells.

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• Children older than two should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise a day. If parents can’t fit an hour of exercise into their schedule — do smaller amounts of exercise, several times a day. (Rakale Collins Quarells, Ph.D., Morehouse School of Medicine)




• The key is to make exercise fun, so children don’t see it as work. Vigorous play counts as exercise. (Maggie Morris, My Gym)




• Have your children help you with physical activities, like carrying groceries. (Maggie Morris, My Gym)




• If you can avoid it, don’t push your baby around in a stroller all the time. Let them walk. (Rakale Collins Quarells.)




• Don’t underestimate the amount of exercise your baby can do. Toddlers can try a strenuous hike, swimming lessons, wall climbing, gymnastics, etc. (Maggie Morris, My Gym)

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• American Academy of Pediatrics
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Rakale Collins Quarells, Ph.D., Morehouse School of Medicine
• My Gym

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