That's Fit

My favorite group from my elementary school days, New Kids on the Block, performed on the Today Show. This was the first time in 15 years the boys were on stage together, and it wasn't under the greatest conditions (it was pouring rain and the acoustics were not good). However, as soon I heard Hangin' Tough, I was right back in fifth grade and busting out moves that haven't been seen in years (perhaps with good reason, but I had a great time anyway).

It got me thinking about music and motivation -- not that we haven't written about playlists and what songs pump you up before, but what music makes you get off the couch and dance alone in your living room? Or in the grocery store? Or wherever you happen to be?

We tend to save our most motivating music for workout playlists, but why not play it at home when you're cooking, or cleaning up, or playing with the kids? Busting a move will help you burn calories and lift your spirits, and I want to know -- will NKOTB get you grooving again?

A few days ago I took my two children, and their two best friends to a Wiggles concert in Kissimmee, Florida and am so grateful I did. Along with the incredible fitness video segments I shot backstage with the gorgeous blue Wiggle, Anthony Field.....it turned out to be one of my children Ginger (4) and Parker's (2) favorite experiences ever.

Before the show, my whole brood got to meet The Wiggles and have a picture taken at the official "meet and greet" session. Traditionally the session is designed for the group to spend time with special needs children. Mine are not, but we were fortunate to have the opportunity. The Wiggles perform about 200 shows each year around the world, but when it came to this special time with the meet and greet children the guys made each child feel really important; the kind of treatment that would bring any Mommy to tears. Bursting with smiles and tender voices, I was impressed at how these men related to the little ones. Hard to describe. The four I took were both shy and excited while meeting the group. Afterward, each maintained a death-grip on the Polaroid's they were given featuring themselves with the band.

Once we were seated in our 'hot potato" seats on the floor in front of the stage, the real fun began. The atmosphere was electric and the kids were ecstatic. The show is bright, colorful, busy and just full of fun! The music also happened to be perfect. Now, I've seen just about every big name performer on tour in the U.S. and there is something unique about singers/bands who actually sound in person the way that they sound on the radio or television. The Wiggles are like that. You get what you came for, you know? You get to enjoy the songs you love in the way that you know them.

Hooray! Once again, I get to go visit my favorite children's healthy heroes The Wiggles. I spent some time with the awesome foursome from Australia this summer and really enjoyed our visit. I originally chose to feature The Wiggles because of their dedication to teaching healthy habits to kids and parents alike. It's amazing how many mommies think to offer Cheetos as a snack over fruit salad. If those mommies only new how "yummy, yummy" that sweet concoction really is.

Anyway! Tomorrow I go to their concert yet again, but this time I'm taking my two little beans with me. Ginger and Parker are giddy with excitement. Ginger is actually worried she may be "too shy" when she greets them backstage. I told her to treat them like she does Jasmine and Aladdin at Disneyworld. This seemed to make perfect sense to her and calmed her little nerves.

Nonetheless. For those of you who enjoyed the spectacular pull-up video featuring Anthony Field available on the front page of Fitzness.com, you can look forward to more of the same after tomorrow. Hopefully Anthony and Paddy (Captain Feathersword) are prepared to work out with me before both of their incredibly physical evening performances. Aren't I sweet to torture them like that?