I Like to Move it, Move it!

One of my favorite songs to get moving to is the theme song from Madagascar, "I Like To Move It." The song is sung by will.i.am in the second film and King Julian (Sacha Cohen) in the first.

For parents looking to get the kids moving, or get themselves moving, this upbeat, infectious Madagascar Song is a great way to get everyone to "Move it Move it!"

This lens is an updated version of an article that I wrote in 2008 "We Need to Move it Move it! - Getting Your Family to Move" for the Foodie Mama website.

With the launch of the Let's Move Campaign in February 2010, by first lady, Michelle Obama, there is a growing awareness of the need to get kids eating healthier and moving more to help raise a healthier generation of kids. I'd like to see them get together with will.i.am and use the "Move it Move it" song as part of a public service announcement to get kids moving.

Read on to find more ways to get your kids moving and eating healthier.

Image: Madagasgar Website, Downloads.

I Like to Move it Move it!

Another version of I Like to Move it Move it, with all of the 'cast' doing more free style dancing.

Ready to Move it Move it?

Download your own MP3 version of "I Like to Move it" and get moving.

An example of how the Move it Move it song inspires three kids to keep moving and grooving to the music.

A 2 year old demonstrating how fun it is to do an exercise routine (eventually) to I Like to Move it Move it.

A slightly shorter (and cleaner) version of the song lyrics. (These guys need to get moving.)

• I Like to Move It, Move It
• I Like to Move It, Move It
• I Like to Move It, Move It
• Ya Like to Move it!
• Physically Fit
• Physically Fit
• Physically
• Physically
• Physically Fit
• I like to to Move It, Move It
• She likes to Move It, Move It
• He likes to Move It, Move It
• You like to Move It, Move It

This quote from a review of the I Like To Move It (Radio Mix) helps sum up why the song is so helpful for getting people moving.

• Some rainy indoors days you just need something to lift you up off your duff, and help you get moving. This song does just that for this family! My little ones never cease to amuse me when they hear the chorus, they boogie like it was 1976, and they spin, jump and generally enjoy every second of this infectious song.
• The non-explicit version is what we have. I was even surprised to hear it at a school event last year where the teacher had the entire class going wild with movement. Lots of fun, just enjoy!

The original version of "I Like to Move It" by Reel 2 Real, Erick Morillo.

This one is a bit more PG rated.

There are many benefits to getting your kids moving. Physical activity has benefits for both the mind, the body and the spirit.

From the article on "We Need to Move it Move it! - Getting Your Family to Move."

1. Benefits for the Mind
   • Makes you feel good.

   Helps children to manage stress.

   Improves mood.

   Calms the mind (endorphins).

2. Benefits for the Body
   • Builds and maintain bones, muscles and joints.

   Increases flexibility and posture.

   Increases heart and lung endurance (cardio-respiratory).

   Helps in maintaining or controlling their weight.

   Increases your overall fitness.

   Improves sleep.

3. Benefits for the Spirit
   • Improves self-esteem.

   Promotes positive mental health.

   Reduces anxiety and depression.

   Depending on the activity (e.g. walking) it can enhance a connection with a higher spirit.

Beyonce's "Move Your Body" video for the NABEF's Let's Move! Flash Workout along with instructions so you can figure out how to move it like Beyonce.

There are many ways to get your family moving. Find activities that every one enjoys and then get the family out to Move it Move it!

Here are some suggestions to get your family moving from the "We Need to Move it Move it! - Getting Your Family to Move" article:

• Dance (To Move it Move it!)
• Walk by yourself, as a family or with the dog
• Bicycle
• Hike
• Inline Skate, Rollerblade
• Swim
• Play soccer or basketball
• Practice Yoga, Martial Arts, Tai Chi
• Play Tennis or Racquetball
• Snowshoe
• Cross-country ski
• Downhill ski
• Ice Skate
• Garden
• Golf (with pulling or carrying your clubs)
• Bounce or do gymnastics (To Move it Move it!)

The Let's Move campaign was created to help solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation.

It is their goal with the help of parents, teachers, doctors, grocers and businesspeople, leaders and organizations in the Let's Move campaign want to teach children and families to develop healthy habits that will help them live longer, stronger lives.

By focusing on the four pillars: Healthy Choices, Healthier Schools, Physical Activity and Access to Affordable Healthy Foods, participants in the Let's Move campaign hope to solve the issue of childhood obesity, through health promotion.

The Let's Move Campaign, headed by Michelle Obama, is a nationwide initiative to promote making healthy choices, improving food quality in schools, increasing access to healthy, affordable food, and increasing physical activity for a healthier generation of kids.

Madagascar Beanie Babies to join you as you are Moving it.

This lens benefits Donors Choose, an organization dedicated to addressing the scarcity and inequitable distribution of learning materials and experiences in our public schools.

What do you think about the "I Like to Move it Move it" Song?

Does it get you moving?