This post is part of my duties as an Energy Balance Ambassador for Together Counts, for which I am being compensated. But I wrote it my own self and the words, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are completely mine.
Since I’ve been working with Together Counts all year as an Energy Balance Ambassador, I’ve really been thinking a lot about being active – calories in, calories out. And though most of my thoughts on families being active together have been on the Together Counts blog, I do have a few I’ve saved to share here. Specifically about being active during the c-c-c-cold months of the year.
Now, my friends who know me know I’m more of an “indoor girl” in general, but this applies especially during the winter. I HATE COLD. And we’ve had an especially brutal winter this year already, and it’s technically not even December 21st yet! But, I know that it’s important to be active and keep my kids active. I’m all for indoor yoga and Pilates myself, but they’re into things that are more fast-paced. Here are a few ideas to keep your family active during cold weather.
1) Bundle up & get outside. I know it seems simple, but it works! Snow is a great excuse to get out, but even 15 minutes out in just plain cold with lots of layers is better then being inside playing video games all day. My kids ask to go outside no matter what the temperature – sometimes you just need to get out and run.
2) Get yer skate on. Got a local skating rink? They’re open year-round, pretty affordable, and taking a million laps around the rink with your kids is a great way to get some exercise and have LOTS of fun!
3) Spring for some lessons. My Sophie takes gymnastics once a week; she’s never going to be in a competitive class, but she has a great time learning and building strength, not to mention getting some great exercise. This winter both kids are also going to be in swim lessons. Joshua’s already a great swimmer but he can always use the exercise and learn new strokes and safety techniques, and we’re hoping this year Sophie will become a confident swimmer by summer time.
Those are just a few of the ways we’re keeping active this winter – what are your ideas?
For more great articles on family activities and meals, visit the Together Counts blog!
