Forget the Gym this Weekend - Let's Go Wrestling

written by John Ashworth
Owner, The Fitness Nomad
http://www.TheFitnessNomad.com

Yes, you heard me right. The weather (aside from a little rain) should be fantastic and your lawn should be plush, so take the opportunity to get out in the back yard and play with your kids. You'll get some great exercise at the same time!

If you have young children you know what I'm talking about when I say that wrestling on the floor with them is great exercise. This is full body activity that demands full body control and stamina and it's a great way to teach your kids a health lifestyle and body control at the same time.

Wrestling requires use of the almost all of the body's muscles at once. This makes it a tremendous workout. And if you don't have kids, you still have no excuse, wrestling with your significant other can also be great fun and good exercise at the same time.

All of the bending, twisting, dodging, and constant movement require a lot of effort and it's a great distraction from the true work at hand and a good break from a traditional strength and conditioning program. The act of wrestling can also be a great way for your kids to build confidence as they gain more and better control over their bodies.

You can try some of the following wrestling drills to encourage better balance, footwork, joint movement, and fair play.

The Bear Crawl

This is essentially the same this as crawling like a baby on all fours, but instead of being on your knees you are on your feet and hands. Try this move across your living room right now. You will likely be surprised at how taxing it actually is.

The Crocodile Crawl

For an added neurological challenge, this is the same thing as the bear crawl, except that you move the same side arm and foot forward at the same time. Your mind and body are not used to that kind of "same-side" movement and therefore, it becomes great brain and body exercise.

OK, now you're warmed up, lets try some partner movements...

The Hopper

This one helps develop better balance and movement. Grab your partner's foot and hold it at waist height. Then have your partner try and hop and keep balanced as you move their foot (gently) around. The goal is to force your partner to continue to adjust their balance without falling. Be careful! :)

Steam Roller

This is one of my personal favorites. Just ask Carl or Ana. One person starts on the floor (the steamroller) while the others begin in a bear-crawl (described earlier) position. The steamroller starts rolling and the bear crawlers try and avoid being squished by crawling over the top of them.

Just wrestle...

Get down on the floor or on the grass and get moving. You will be surprised at how demanding this activity really is - especially if your kids are a little older :)

Have Fun!