March Break is here for many and depending on where you live, it's come in like a, well, lion. While the kids are home, it’s tempting to want to move your workouts and play indoors in the winter, but there are lots of ways to get exercise outside when the temperature drops and the snow has pummelled. (And trust us, your kids will want to get in on these activities, too!)
SKATING
Ice skating is a great, low-impact way to get your heart pumping. It’s good for your joints, your core and your stress level. Take the kids out for a spin at a local, or get ambitious and build one in your backyard. You can go for a higher-intensity, solo skate, too.
TOBOGGANING
Any parent who has dragged a sled up a snowy hill on repeat knows how much of a workout tobogganing can be. Look for a hill with a gradual side and a steep side: Let the kids slide down the sloped side and climb up the other to up the ante on your sweat session.
OUTDOOR WALKS
This one isn't dependant on snow and is something you're probably already doing. But to keep your winter walks fresh, incorporate games like I Spy into the mix or create a scavenger hunt for things spotted or found, like a pine tree or a squirrel or a dog wearing a jacket. Hot chocolate prize for all who participated.
SHOVELLING COMPETITION
When the snow hits and there's work to be done, turn that chore into a friendly family competition with each member doing their part to clear the snow. You can sing while you work and push the excess snow to the side so it's at the ready for fort or snowman building. Yes!
SNOWSHOEING
While this activity requires a bit of an investment (snow shoes start at about $40), snow shoeing is an awesome, low-impact workout the family can do together. There are many groomed trails in Canada just waiting for you.
Originally published in the Winter 2018 issue.
