Staying Active During Winter

Cache Valley received its first snowfall this month. The temperatures have dropped and it’s getting dark earlier. Winter is definitely approaching.

If you’re cooped up inside, staying active can be difficult no matter what your age. Jessie, a mother of four kids understands that completely. She hates the winter months as she watches her kids sit on the couch and watch movies.

“I can’t get them to do anything,” she complains, “Because it’s so cold!” Jessie also watches her mother, a 78-year-old woman, slow down during the winter months.

Luckily for Jessie, there are some things she can do to encourage physical activity no matter what age she is dealing with. The activities suggested can be modified or changed to fit your needs. Try to incorporate both aerobic and muscle strength idea.

Ages 2-7

• Go for a walk during the warmest, lightest part of the day.
• Have them kick a ball of socks around the house to work on foot-eye coordination skills. Ask them to make it from one room to the other without losing control of the sock-ball.
• Practice volleying a balloon with different parts of their body. Ask them “can you keep the balloon in the air using your hand, thumb, or elbow?”
• Make a hopscotch pattern on the floor with painters tape. Work on their hopping and jumping skills.
• Create an obstacle course with pillows, blankets, and chairs. Have them practice going under, over, and around.

Ages 7-12

• • Dress them in layers and challenge them to a snowman building contest
  • Youtube Activity Video. There are plenty of fun kid-friendly Youtube channels that feature simple exercises to keep them engaged and entertained. Check out this channel for some ideas.
  • Encourage them to help with chores such as vacuuming, sweeping, walking the dog, getting the mail, or folding laundry. This can help them move while helping you get your housework done.
  • Go to a local recreation center and take advantage of their racquetball or basketball courts.
  • Just Dance or other movement games. If your kids love video games, consider investing in games like Just Dance that help them stay active while they play games.

Ages 12-17

• Go outside and build a snowman or build a sledding hill for them to enjoy with their younger siblings.
• Take them to an indoor swimming pool to play and swim laps for great exercise
• Indoor or outdoor ice skating is a great winter activity for any teen.
• Yoga can be a great way for teens to get in activity as well as relax from their busy lives.
• Shoveling snow – a clean driveway and simple activity to get your kids off the couch.

Whatever you choose to do to help your kids stay active in the cooler temperatures, remember to keep them safe with the proper equipment and layers. Watch the weather and be on the lookout for poor air quality to keep your family safe.