Walking can be a great way to burn calories, destress and improve overall health. It’s also an activity the whole family can enjoy. January is Fit Family Lifestyle Month and the perfect time to combine exercise and family bonding. Whether it’s an outside-the-box obstacle course or going for a hike, there are plenty of ways to get more steps as a family.
1
CREATE AN OBSTACLE COURSE
Consider increasing your steps in a fun way. Gather different household items, like laundry baskets, boxes and storage bins to serve as station markers. Then create a game where you do different activities like jumping jacks, jump rope or step-ups at different stations. You can create prizes for the person who can do the most reps at each station in a certain amount of time or make it a team-activity to see how fast your team can complete the course.
2
SIGN UP FOR A CHARITY RACE
Contribute to a worthy cause and get your steps in at the same time by signing up for a local charity race. You can even use training sessions as a way to increase family activity, whether it’s walking, jogging or both.
3
GO FOR A HIKE
Embrace some time in nature with a family hike, which can be tailored to suit a specific difficulty level. Keep family members engaged and make it fun by incorporating family sing-a-longs, trivia, “I spy” or other fun games. Take pictures throughout the hike for a family scrapbook or highlight reel.
4
GO BIRD WATCHING
Bring a pair of binoculars and go on a bird-watching walk. Birds are easier to spot in the winter when the foliage doesn’t hide them as much. Print out a guide and see how many birds (or other local animals) your family can spot.
5
TRY SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is a fantastic form of exercise that can get your heart rate up while providing access to the beautiful scenery. It’s beginner-friendly, which means the whole family can get involved.
Share your favorite activities for staying active with your family in the comments below.
