Staying Active During Winter: Tips from a Mama Health Coach
When the cold winter months roll in, it can be tempting to stay bundled up indoors (and that is totally fine to do sometimes). However, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for our physical and mental health, especially for families. As a mama coach, I understand how important it is to keep both ourselves and our families active and engaged, even when temperatures drop. Here are some fun and effective ways to stay active during winter and keep your family happy and healthy. 💃
1. Embrace Outdoor Activities
Winter provides a unique opportunity to explore activities that are specific to the season. Here are some ideas to enjoy the outdoors:
Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking: Bundle up and head to a local trail or park. Snowshoeing is a fantastic workout and kids love the adventure of trekking through snow. You never know what you might discover!
Sledding: Find a nearby hill and let the fun begin! Sledding is a great way to get your heart rate up while enjoying some laughter with your family. My kids love sledding and we have a hill in our backyard! So it is even easier to get out for a little bit to sled!
Ice Skating: Check out local ice rinks or frozen ponds. Ice skating is not only fun but also an excellent way to improve balance and coordination. Some places even have skating lessons for younger kids or those things that look like walkers that help kids skate (honestly I have no idea what they are called - if you do - DM me on IG and let me know! because I’m sure little kid ice skating walker is not the correct term) 😆
Building a Snow Man or Having a Snowball Fight with the Kiddos: Act like a kid again! It is good for you!
2. Indoor Exercise Options
When the weather is too harsh to venture outside or you just don’t feel like going out in the cold, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep everyone moving:
Family Dance Parties: Crank up your favorite tunes and dance around the house. It's a fun way to burn calories and lift everyone's spirits. There are so many family-friendly play lists on YouTube and Apple Music - I am sure you can find something your kids will love!
Home Workouts: Utilize online resources or workout apps that offer family-friendly exercises. Even if you don’t have any home gym equipment - yoga, aerobics, or strength training can all be done in the comfort of your living room with minimal equipment.
Indoor Obstacle Courses: Get creative and set up an obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and other household items. This can be a fun and challenging activity for kids and adults alike.
3. Make Use of Community Resources
Local community centers, YMCAs, and gyms often offer winter programs for families and adults:
Swimming Pools: Many indoor pools offer family swim times. Swimming is a full-body workout that's gentle on the joints. If you want to go without the kiddos - a lot of places also have lap swim availability.
Sports Leagues or Classes: Sign up for classes or sports leagues. Basketball, indoor soccer, or martial arts can be excellent options. There is often classes for a variety of age groups from toddler all the way to adult. So take advantage if you see something you like!
4. Stay Motivated with Goals and Rewards
Setting goals and rewarding accomplishments can help keep everyone motivated:
Create a Family Challenge: Set a goal to walk a certain number of steps or complete a set number of activities each week. Celebrate your achievements with a fun family outing or a special treat. I have been doing Step Bet Challenges and those have been very fun and motivating to ensure I am getting my steps in day in and day out even if the weather isn’t so favorable.
Track Progress: Use a chart or app to track everyone's activity levels. Seeing progress can be a great motivator.You can do this as a family or individually.
5. Focus on Fun and Togetherness
The most important aspect of staying active during winter is finding joy in the activities you do together:
Schedule Family Activity Time: Set aside specific times each week for family activities. Consistency helps make physical activity a regular part of your routine.
Encourage Each Other: Support each other and celebrate successes, no matter how small. Encouragement fosters a positive environment and keeps spirits high. 😃
By incorporating these strategies, you can ensure that your family stays active and happy throughout the winter months. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the time spent together while keeping everyone healthy and moving. Stay warm, have fun, and embrace the opportunities that winter brings!