Some of the cutest people with impulse control problems in our society are also known as toddlers. They eat what they want, scream when they want and stick anything tempting right into their cute little mouths. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t ever get them to organize their own sock drawers.  Now it turns out that those of us who were able to retain some of that charming impulsiveness of youth, may have a more difficult time staying lean than other people. A study by the National Institute on Aging recently found that very impulsive people tend to weigh 22 pounds more than people who have a tight rein on themselves.

But don’t fret, just because you are impulsive doesn’t mean you are doomed to be tipping the scales the wrong way.  There are lots of things you can to do whip your toddler self into shape.

Take this quick quiz and find out now if you might be a Fitness Toddler…

True or false?

1. Stationary cardio machines seem like the stupidest toys ever invented.

2. You are unable to sleep with a box/bag of your favorite treat lurking in the house.

3. People think you’re fun and spontaneous. You

4. don’t mind walking, as long as there is a treat where the sidewalk ends.

5. You get bored easily and wonder when this quiz is going to be over.

If you answered true to 4 or more of the 5 above questions, consider yourself an FT.

Helpful tips for adorable fitness toddlers:

• Make it fun! Good advice for everyone, but especially for FT’s. So take an unusual class, try a new sport or bring a buddy to the gym.
• Remove temptation. Much like those little plastic thingies new parents put in the light sockets so that their little darlings don’t fry their fingers’ off, F.T.’s must be protected from tempting temptations.
• Find a “fitness parent” who you like and want to please. You tell them you took an upside down aerobics class and they say “good boy!” or “good girl!”
• Don’t expect instant results. Nobody expects toddlers to run marathon on those chubby little legs, and you should expect too much too soon either.
• Don’t compare yourself to other “fitness grown-ups.” They may be more disciplined and consciences, but you will always be more fun at party’s. Plus you’d be totally bored with their workouts before you can say sweat sock three times fast.

Good luck cutie!

To make flexibility training part of your fitness life you need a plan. Here are some ideas for ways to integrate motion training into your routine.

Set Flexibility Goals: Humans love to set and attain goals; from running a 5K to world domination, there is nothing like a clear and present challenge to get our engines revving. The good o’ sit and reach is a good place to start and there are many other positions that can be measured and then improved upon. To make it more fun try and get a group together for the assessment and agree to reunite in two months to measure your progress. If you are cooperative you can encourage each other and celebrate each other’s gains. If you’re more like me, and the pack of blood thirsty jackals I call friends, your competitive spirit and trash talking can motivate you to unheard of levels of limbosity. Change it up: Periodization, a guiding principal of fitness, recognizes that the body and mind require varied stimulation for continued improvement. If you have been doing the same stretches since you sat on a number in high school it is time to try something new. Take a yoga class or pick up a book on stretching for some fresh ideas. Yoga positions can be particularly effective for the time crunched as poses often stretch multiple body parts (while old athletic stretches tend to focus on a singular body part). Periodization also gives each time block a focus, such as power or endurance. Focusing on opening up a particular body part is helpful in developing a progressive and challenging flexibility plan. For example, work on the shoulder girdle for a month (while maintaining mobility in other areas with basic stretches). The focus strategy will allow you to see improvements more quickly and battle the perception that stretching is something you must do endlessly without any tangible results.Take a stretching vacation: There is no law that says you must stretch in the designated area of your gym. Most moves can be done anywhere and without any special equipment. Some of my favorite flexibility enhancing locations included the sauna, hot tub, shower and the spot right in front of my TV. Though it is great to stretch immediately after a workout because your muscles are warm, don’t limit yourself to just this window as after workout flexibly sessions can be easily skipped. Stretching, unlike many other types of exercise, can be done anywhere, anytime. I stretch my hips while waiting in line and my calves on the curb while waiting for the train. I stretch my wrists and neck while on my headset at work. I’m doing ankle circles with my crossed leg as I type this. Take a minute to think about where you can fit flexibility into your day. Phone a friend: It has been proven time and time again that people who join together in partnerships or groups are more likely to workout then those who hit it solo. Find someone you like to do motion training with and you are much more likely to do it consistently. Unless you’re in a yoga class or quiet area there is no reason why flexibility training can’t be a social activity so chat it up if you’re the chatty type. Partner stretching is also a great way to improve your flexibility. Get a trainer or book to learn how.