Just because temperatures are falling and the weather might not be the best for being physical active does not mean we should stop trying to reach our goal of 60 minutes of activity per day. Below is a list of some options to stay physical active this Winter.
Bingo Hiking
Create your own bingo cards before you head out to the park or the woods with the kids. Get them to draw pictures in each square of things you may find on your walk: an acorn, a pine cone, a common bird and a rare one, adjusting the level of difficulty to the age of your child. The person who finds the most items wins (BINGO)!
Go for a Walk at Night
With darkness falling at 5 PM, you can take an easy stroll in your own neighborhood to enjoy the sparkly lights and decorations of your neighbors. For those in apartments it can be just as fun to get a group of friends together and walk to a local neighborhood or shopping center with lights and decorations. Take pictures, and enjoy the views.
Chalk drawing
With no snow on the ground, chalk still works on pavement! Just keep little hands in warm mitts, have something for a knee pad (towel, blankie, newspaper) and limit the time spent outdoors in cold weather. Create a course to run around, draw some festive holiday pictures or even make a hop scotch grid!
Dance
Put some of your favorite holiday tunes on and shake it! Dancing is a great way to exercise that we promote on a regular basis, not just during the winter. It is great for the entire body and not only that, a fun time with the family.
Kitchen skating or visit the local rink
If you have a hard surface at home, throw some socks on and slide around pretending your in the Olympics or an intense hockey game. To take it a step further, check if there are any local rinks around and break out the ice skates on a nice winter night!
Being physically active can happen anytime and in any season. Exercise is very important for a families overall health. It has to be a part of the lifestyle you live and should always be a part of your daily routine.
-Written by Brandon Farmer, PT
