Baby it’s cold outside, time to get moving!

As the temperature drops and winter settles in we find ourselves falling into a less active routine.  This routine can include more TV watching, video games, social media sites and sitting on the couch.

Don’t let the cold weather keep you from being active.  Especially kids, setting up good habits and routines will help them consistently participate in some form of daily exercise.  Lead by example and tell the kids its time to step away from the screen & get moving.

Here are 3 tips to stay active this winter.

1.  Wear a pedometer and track your steps daily.  If you see you aren’t making enough progress, try taking a brisk walk outside or shovel snow.   At Summerland we recommend 10,000 steps per day, and campers are taught how to track their daily activity in a Behavior Planning Journal (BPJ).

2.  Clear a space in the living room and gather the family.  Take turns sharing your favorite exercise.  Lead everyone by showing and motivating them to give it a try.  (Ex.  Mom does squats, Dad push-ups, Kids Jumping Jacks)

3.  Start a challenge.  I love and suggest the Plank challenge.  Set a goal of 15 seconds to hold the plank, who every drops first is out.   Then do 30 seconds.   Repeat until you have 1 winner: the Family Plank Champion!

Stay Warm and Merry Fitness!!

Lisa A. DeCamella
Personal Trainer & Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Summerland Camps