![IMG_0630](https://carlabirnberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_0630-300x200.jpg)
Juggling is NOT my gift.
To know me is to be aware—especially in the summer—we try really, really, really hard never to WORKout.
EVER.
Life is too short (and the summer, to my chagrin, too too fleeting) to allow exercise to be yet another arena where we have to toil.Β Where we’re forced to (fingerquote) work (unFQ).
As a result, Ive chosen to morph the bulk of my fitness into fun.
I’ve decided I’d much rather laugh & play with the Tornado than force my workouts to fit a traditional mold. (shocking I realize. Im so traditional in all other realms, right?)
Ive talked about ourΒ playouts on television.
Ive rambled and ranted waxed eloquently about them in my role as Fila Spokesmom.
And, as with all things my blog, this isn’t just a post it’s how I live.
And, as with all things my LIFE, I wanna drag you into theΒ playout fray & share the three reasons we adore them:
- PLAYouts transform fitness into something which brings us TOGETHER.Β Β
To my dismayIm super excited the Tornado is finding her own way in the world.Β And, as she does, we have more & more individual pursuits.Β As a result we both value our playout time because it’s family time with the added bonus of fitness.
- Β It’s plain ole FUN.Β The Tornado is technically at the age where we could do traditional sports togetherΒ (I know. I stumbled a bit even *typing* the word traditional), but I’ve decided to follow her lead.Β She still wants our time together to be movement of the silly playful, variety and not the ‘formal”Β organized sort (hello apple! youve not fallen far from tree).
- Β It allows her to be the expert.Β This facet has become more important the older she’s become.Β Six rocks & yet six entails lots of being bossed around (hello kinder!) and many new boundaries, rules and regulations.Β When we playout she’s typically the one in charge.Β She makes up the games, creates the rules, & shows me how it’s all done. Β Being the expert—no matter our age—is empowering.
All of this is on my mind today (or more aptly put *tonight* as I birthday-night-blog freeform) because the Tornado seized our day together to teach me a dance she’d learned at camp.
It was 100 degrees outside & I was more than happy to remain indoors and watch her.
I was wrong.
There was to be no watching involved.
She demanded I get the video camera.
She instructed me to film her & then she’d film me.
I am the one whose 43 year old core is already *sore* from “sprinkling.”
Please to enjoy:
Your 30 second instructional video:
Your insight into my awkward dance moves & weak core:
Yep. That’s it.
That’s all there is to it.
You in?
Joining us?
We’d love it.
GO FORTH, PLAYout, and SPRINKLER!
I love you two!
Hope your birthday was amazing.
You do need help with the dance moves LOL
I love this, you’ve started my day off in such a happy way… Tornado is so adorable
Turning fitness into fun is something that I always like to do. I hope you had a great birthday π
You had me when you said you were ready to watch her dance.
I try and be so playful but lately I have been watching a lot.
Thanks for the reminder.
Also what are you juggling with?
It doesn’t look like bean bags?
SOCKS π
I love PLAYouts!
Super cute Tornado you have there, and great sprinkler form π
You are so much fun. I love the idea of playouts. While I’m not a mother (maybe one day) I’d love to be like you! You have an amazing relationship with your daughter and make your healthy life together fun.
You make me believe I can be a mother and stay fit.
tell tornado she needs to teach me, she’s got skill!
I was just doing the sprinkler with my boys in the driveway yesterday!! Not sure what the neighbors think (I’m crazy!) but we sure had a great time! π
Yes! The sprinkler is a killer workout. Actually my legs are wicked sore from leaping across the yard like a frog for most of the day on Tuesday with my kids. PlayOUTs rock!!
I love the idea of letting her be the “expert.”
I hope I will run with my children if I have any π
Holy cow, this just made my day. You’re daughter is adorable, and she has an incredible mom. That girl will have no issues growing up. π Now off to go practice my sprinkler skills…
Love this!!! You are such a fabulous mom and I love the idea behind your “playouts” so awesome!
There are days that you both inspire me and fill me with regret. And this is one of those – I love-to-my-very-core the gift you are giving The Tornado. Not the fitness, which is great in and of itself, but the whole self-acceptance thing. There will be rough spots for her, for sure, but with this base, this foundation – she’s ready for all challenges.
The regret part comes in that I wasn’t wise enough at the time to do the same for my daughter – who is pretty darned terrific on her own merits.
your comment makes me think a few things:
first thank you for your kind words.
I PRAY (literally) that she will find self love and acceptance as she grows—some days…many days…this all feels like a crapshoot π
and no regrets. it’s as you say: SHES PRETTY DARN TERRIFIC.
that is a reflection of your terrificnessment.
PLAYOUTS!!! I love it!! you guys are amazing π
Perfect!!! Love your attitude and perspective- so glad it’s rubbing off on the little one. π
This inspires me to get the girls moving this morning. We need to get our PLAY on earlier today!
I like how this is about more than fitness. You are empowering.
More girls need that, Miz.
Too funny.
Happy Birthday a day late babe. I am honored to have been a part of your life and call you friend. And seriously? Can Tornado be any cuter? I mean really? How in the world do you ever say no to her? LOL
Videos. So cute! Enough said.
She is just too darn cute. I love your approach to staying healthy & fit…but you know this already because i tell you all the time!
OK- first – a star is being born! I have no doubt we will see much more of Tornado in the far future! π She will be teaching many all the things she learned from you by way of your just teaching by example! LOVE!
Now – those videos – LOVE!!!! When she says here is MOMMY & I love mommy – that is better than anything – but the whole thing rocks! π
As for Roxie – yes, I have regrets as well BUT I have to accept & move on & that is what I try to do each day even though those regrets are still there…
First off- hope you had a fantastic birthday π
Second- the way she introduces you? Oh my gosh- save that forever. Adorable.
The screen shot of you says it all.
Now that’s some moving! I really love this whole concept and I think it’s one that SO many people/families can use for better health and togetherness. Cheers to the play out!
Thanks for the smile this morning! Now I am off to figure out how to get my PLAYout on without a chid to inspire them. Seems trickier somehow.
love PLAY π
She’s better at it than me. I find this disconcerting.
I always wanted to know how to do that move! Gonna practice it – maybe I can impress my 10-year-old niece? π
Carla, you are awesome. that’s all! π
OMG…I just HAD to get up and try The Sprinkler as soon as I finished watching Tornado!! It was so much fun and it worked out some kinks that I had in my back! Thanks Tornado!
How i wish my kids were young enough to do this with me!
You both have so much fun together! So cute! π
How adorable! You two are too fun. I teach my 3-5th graders the sprinkler, shopping cart, etc. at the school dances. They think I am crazy, but secretly love it.
I know you’re kidding a little but this is a good workout!
We adore ‘the sprinkler’, but even more, we love us some crazy water gun fights!
I’m in! Doing the sprinkler! What fun!
Love it! She is going to have so many wonderful memories of her childhood and all of the special time you spend together. so sweet!
No. Words.
I did it along with you. I’m sweating!! π
This totally counts as a DANCE move… and it’s a workout! I love the sprinkler and knew how to do it before i watched the very cool instructional video. Although my form is no where as good as the both of yours. Nice.
loved the Tornado’s instruction! Very good sprinkler form.
But yours came out a little freaky-deaky. You many wanna demonstration that to your hubs. ha!
We are SO adding this to our regular family dance parties!! Hope the birthday was a wonderful one!
Nice job! I love incorporating ‘workouts’ into fun and fit activities – because if I say ‘workout’ to my 12 year its an automatic ‘no’.
Wow, how totally cute! You are a great Mom! I’d like to see my boys join in on that….
That. Is. AWESOME! I love your idea of “playouts.” When my husband and I went on vacation with family, we did a lot of playouts. Hiking and horseback riding and more hiking and group running… So much more fun than the gym!
I LOVE it!!!! The sprinkler looks like fun! Izzy wants to do it. π
Thanks for the reminder I need to get out there and sprinkle my lawn, this draught is killing it!
LOL!!
*Adorable*
That is the greatest move ever!! Who knew using your obliques could be such a blast! Soo adding that to my yoga flows and classes. It’ll be great with our Limping Camel! Thanks, Tornado! π
I am sprinkling rightthisverysecond in solidarity with you and the Tornado! I love me a good disco move;)
We have to do this tomorrow! Have to, not want to!
aw I loved this post! As someone said earlier you really are setting such a great positive foundation for your daughter. I wish that more children had a chance at receiving that same foundation. Having a positive self image is so important. I also think it’s interesting because people debate about the benefit of resistance training and age range and the need for structured exercise for children. At such a young age she doesn’t need anything structured because she is doing it naturally. Instead of spending her life in front of a TV she is out there enjoying life to the fullest :-)Love the Love!
SO CREATIVE.
What happened with the Fila Spokesmom videos with you and the Tornado?
Did I miss those?
I love the whole playout concept,and so does my five year old grandson.
As usual, I love this completely. I hope your birthday was the very best ever.
OMG you two are the cutest things in the world. I love the Sprinkler move! I also love the that playouts allow the Tornado to be the expert –> so important!
Hehehe. SOOOO adorable!! I love how instructional the Tornado is =) And esp love your concept of Play-outs…
Hope you had a wonderful birthday! =)
AWESOME! I LOVE keeping it FuN & this was super entertaining! Thanks to both of you for sharing your fabulosity! :o)
Ooops! My smiley should look like so ~ π ~ hehe!
That was just too cute! It’s great to be a kid at any age. You rock!