Dancing with the Boys!

from http://www.flickr.com/photos/holtsman/4501218543/sizes/n/

I’m not sure if you know my rules on video game usage during the school week, if not, it’s an easy rule. None. No video games are allowed Monday – Thursday in my house.

My feeling is that the school week focus should be on school: homework, studying, any scheduled activities, outside play etc… Elimination of video games from our house during these days has helped to make school the priority as well as reduce necessary bickering associated with the games.

But it’s cold where I live and the boys aren’t going outside to play as much as I would prefer. They’re getting a little wild with an abundance of unused energy building up inside them. It’s stressing me out and since I’m often a stress eater – I’ll comfort my woes with a cookie or a snack. I’ve started to go to a nearby outdoor ice rink on warmer days with the boys, but I wasn’t sure what to do when I didn’t feel like going outside too. So I started thinking, What can I do that entertains everyone inside but that promotes health and fitness?

The answer I’ve come up with is dancing. Dancing with the boys! I know, you’re thinking dancing with boys, who would do that? Well my friends, have you tried the PS3 game Zumba fitness or the Wii Just Dance 2? OMG you must!!

At first the boys were skeptical, but of course, the idea of weekday gaming time was appealing so they gave it a try. We danced together for an hour and sweat, laughed and had a great time. It’s a great workout and a wonderful chance to interact with the children. Honestly, I can’t wait to play it again to maintain my status as champion dancer in the family. The Zumba game even has ways to track results and journal if you want to use it as part of reaching your workout and fitness goals. While game playing during the weekday will still have limitations in my house, dance game truly offer a workout and a lot of fun for the entire family.