spring is around the corner
The thermometer might still read “winter,” but spring is quickly approaching with its invigorating shot of warmth and greenery. It’s important to keep up an active lifestyle no matter what season. In fact, the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Adults are recommended to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, preferably spread throughout the week. This is equivalent to at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day for 5 days a week.
An excellent way to ensure everyone maintains a fit lifestyle is by pursuing that goal as a family. It’s always more fun when everyone is involved and supporting each other on the fitness trail.
The key is to try and schedule group activities with your family. Swimming, ice or inline skating, and walks along forest trails or municipal bike paths are all great options since they keep everyone moving. Fun family activities can help build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Of course, depending on where you live, it might still be cold outside so you’ll pursue more indoor activities such as taking the family to the local community gym to get in some game time. Basketball and kickball are easy games to get everyone involved.
And just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean you can’t take the activities outside too! Just make sure everyone bundles up – layering clothes helps to trap heat against the body – then go for a walk around the neighborhood. If there’s a lot of snow on the ground it could be fun to take everyone to a nearby hill for some sledding. Sure, the time on the sled heading down the slope doesn’t involve much effort, but that trek back up certainly counts towards the day’s activity!