Warm Up with Winter Activities


The winter season can be a challenging time to keep up with your physical activity goals. Despite the cold temperatures and early sunsets, the American Heart Association still recommends that children aged 6-17 get at  least 60 minutes of physical activity per day and that adults participate in physical activity for 150 minutes each week! Here are some ideas for you and your family to stay warm and fit this winter season.

  1. Bundle up and head outdoors for a winter adventure! Take a walk around the neighborhood or on a trail. You won’t have to deal with humidity, and the fresh air and change of scenery will help improve your mood. Be sure to bundle up with lots of layers, hats, and gloves!
  2. Combine shopping with some physical activity. Head out to the shops a little early so that you can take a few of extra laps around the mall or shopping center.
  3. Try indoor games with your family. Charades, dancing, and bowling are all great opportunities to be active indoors. You can also look up free exercise videos on the internet to do with your family.
  4. Use commercials as opportunities to be active. Create challenges for your family-who can do the most sit-ups or jumping jacks? Jog in place for 3 minutes. Walk up and down the stairs a few times.
  5. Switch your ‘spring cleaning’ for ‘winter cleaning’. Take the opportunity to clean out and organize your home so that when warm weather returns, you will be able to head back outside (and not be  in the house cleaning). Plus, it’s good exercise; an hour of housework can burn about 200 calories!
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© Eat Smart, Be Fit Maryland!Maira Gall