Stay Active this Winter for Family Fit Lifestyle Month

Do you find yourself spending endless hours indoors during the cold winter months? Bundling up and staying inside to escape the brutal weather outside sure does sound nice. Even though being outside and active in January is not possible for many, there are still dozens of ways to stay active even while indoors. Throw on your favorite leggings, grab your kids and get moving because January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month!

This entire month is dedicated to making activity a priority for not only yourself, but the entire family. Regular physical activity is an important component to keep everyone healthy, from the young to the old. Of course, the requirements for activity vary depending on age and physical ability.

There are so many wonderful activities that you can choose from, however always be sure to consult with a doctor before starting anything new.

Keep it Moving

Did you know only half of adults in the United States exercise regularly? According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the recommended activity guidelines are as follows:

US Adults: 150-300 mins of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 mins of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.

US Children Ages 6-17: 60 mins or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.

Exercise is part of living a healthy lifestyle and has tremendous benefits for your health including improved mood, heart health, lower risk of developing chronic diseases, and improved sleep!

Physical Activity Intensity

There are a TON of ways to get moving and make it FUN for the entire family. So, you may be wondering all the ways you can stay active. Check out some of the various activities you can try out below:

Low intensity activities: Some low-intensity activities include walking, cooking, and light household chores. Have each member of the family try preparing a new recipe or tidying up around the house.

Moderate-intensity activities: Try out brisk-walking, playing tennis, or raking some leaves to get in some moderate level activity.

Vigorous-intensity activities: Some vigorous physical activity can include jogging, running, or even shoveling snow!

Tips for Making Activity a Priority

Promoting a healthy lifestyle is important for the entire family. Staying fit together can be fun and help create a stronger unit. Check out some of these important tips for making physical activity a priority all season long.

Participation is Key- Doing physical activity together can promote positive role modeling among children. Try joining in on sports and small games at home.

Nutrition- Maintaining a healthy diet is ensuring that you have the fuel to stay active. A balanced diet will give you the energy you need keep moving. Be sure to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats.

Stay Positive- Make each activity exciting for the whole family. By keeping a positive mood, you are sure to have double the fun when staying active.

Try Something New- Sometimes the same old sports and games get boring. Why not try something new? Look up some fun family games online and test them out throughout the week.

Limit Screen Time- More time spent in front of the TV or computer screen = less time engaging in physical activity. Try setting a few technology-free nights during the week when you can spend time trying out a new activity.

Staying active during the Winter months can be a challenge, however getting creative with new activities can make it less of a hassle.

Your Turn to Action: What new activities will you try this year? Let me know in the comment section below!