- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- iparenting fitness articles
- iparenting fitness q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Fun Ways to Spend Winter Days
Indoor Fitness Tips for Families
By Kelly Burgess
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor dark of night deters the postman; and it shouldn't deter fit families from keeping active during the dark months of winter. Try these tips for fun indoor fitness activities that deliver!
Fun 4 All
Getting kids moving has to be a family affair, says Matthew Hendison, executive vice president of marketing and entertainment for My Gym Enterprises. "It's not going to work long term if mom's in the kitchen and dad's reading the paper and they tell Johnny it's time to exercise," he says. "But remember, you're not trying to trick them into exercising either; you want to show them that it can be a fun part of togetherness."
Here are Hendison's suggestions for those days when it's impossible to get outside:
- Create a family scavenger hunt.
- Try a few, fun exercise videos.
- Play follow-the-leader all around the house, especially if there are stairs. Make it even more challenging by climbing over soft furniture.
- Do jumping jacks or jump rope.
- March or hop in place.
- Put on some soft or playful music and stretch. Touch your toes, stretch your legs, sit and stretch your spine.
- Dance. Get the whole family moving.
- Make a movie. Give your kids the camera. You can be the director. Get everyone involved to make up a story or music video with lots of action.
- Hold a silly joke telling session. Laughing builds stomach muscles.
- Give the kids a disposable camera and see how many different photos they can take in different parts of the house.
- Cook together. It gets everyone up on their feet and you can teach the kids about good nutrition while preparing healthy foods together.