5 Ways to Keep Your Family Fit During the Cold Months

Sometimes, I like to tease people that I’m allergic to exercise.  I hate being so tired afterwards, and working out makes me HUNGRY.  But, I know as I grow older keeping moving, eating healthy and sharing with Red to stay active are all important.  In the summer, I don’t have much of a motivation problem. I run 5ks starting in May, and the warm weather is extremely welcoming to go for runs and stay outside. It’s when the Georgia cold blasts come through that I really struggle. I’m like a hibernating bear, and getting outside in that weather is really trying for me.  Here are some easy tips that help me to stay active in the cold months, and hopefully you will find some inspiration for your family!

 If it’s really chilly outside, make your walks short, speedy and several (in number. Had to go for the triple “S” there).  Grab your dog and head around the block, or grab some walking sticks for your kids (any old tree branch will do!) for a little more activity and point out all the things you see.  Get used to getting outside and staying active with your kids.  Fun sneakers (like these New Balance for toddlers) and wearing layers help make it more enjoyable!

 

It’s cooooooold out there.  Staying motivated in cold months is like torture for me, so I have to sign up for a few 5ks to keep training and get out there.  Short races and even longer fun runs (like the Hot Chocolate) are a great way to get going.  Try warmer sock under your shoes, running sleeves and peel-able layers to stay cozy before you heat up.

3. Hit the Gym 
My husband loves the gym.  He gets to work out, run and has everything he needs at his fingertips.  With some guest passes and a kids room, the gym becomes a place for the family to exercise despite the bitter cold (or blasting heat, depending on where you live!).  I like lacing up my sneakers and using the treadmill and elliptical.  Cardio is my friend, because I’m just not a weight lifter (although I know I should be).  These Nike and Asics sneakers from Rack Room are perfect for our family to get going and keep our wallet happy. Way more stylish than anything I’ve had before, and they feel like little pillows under my feet.

Use your Wii, LeapTV or even just a music channel to get your groove on and break a sweat.  Use some sneakers for traction and be sure to clear away close furniture so you don’t break (or bruise!) anything.  Kids LOVE to see themselves on TV, and those new hit dance songs are pretty fun, too!  Red gets a kick out of dancing to his favorite Disney songs and making up new dance moves like these:

5. Organized Sports and Classes

Choosing your class might be the hard part here! With Yoga, Zumba, Spinning, Barre and Kickboxing getting very popular, there are tons of classes to choose from. Beat the cold and join in one of these year round classes to keep sweating and feeling good.

And if you’re looking for some new sneakers to jump start your fitness routine, try hunting around Rack Room.   Online shopping is now available, (it wasn’t there before – you could only browse styles) and it’s a great, fast way to find exactly what you need at a super wallet-friendly price.  Grab some awesome styles to keep your New Years fitness resolutions going all year long and keep your family fit!