A New Year is all about setting intentions and creating new habits. Why not make one of them family fitness? No matter the age of your family members, there are exercises and activities you can do together to feel more fit. And the family that exercises together… succeeds together!
At the Knox County Community Health Center, we truly believe in the power of exercise to help us all feel better. If the whole family gets involved in a fitness routine, not only will everyone feel better, but you’ll also get in some quality family time! And you might lose a few pounds, gain muscle and ward off those pesky germs by activating your immune system.
Let’s get away from those TVs, computers and phones, by getting some exercise—both indoors and outdoors. Don’t let winter keep you in—there’s plenty to do outdoors as well.
Indoor Exercises
- Find a fun exercise video and get everyone involved. We found these searching on YouTube (there are so many options!)
- Create an obstacle course in the living room
- Put on some music and dance
- Walk up and down the stairs
- If you are watching TV, do squats, jumping jacks or running place during the commercials
- Create a scavenger hunt in the house and make sure everyone gets from one place to another while doing an exercise. (Jump to the kitchen and find a blue bell, Hop to the bedroom and find the apple, skip to the front door and read the note, etc.)
Outdoor Exercises
- If there’s snow and a hill, go sledding! Climbing hills is great exercise!
- Bundle up and take a walk! Why not head over to Ariel-Foundation Park (some areas are open year-round) or Memorial Park
- Find some stairs and go up and down them several times
- Build a snow fort and have a snowball fight
- Walk around the zoo—there are always animals outside
- Play tag
- If it’s a ‘warm’ day, ride bikes, get on the scooter, or play at the playground
Eat Healthy
Don’t forget that part of being fit is fueling your body with healthy foods. A dinner plate should be ½ full of fruits and veggies, ¼ with protein and ¼ with whole grains. Drink lots of water in the winter as well. Check out My Plate for healthy eating information.
Take some time every day this winter to get in some fun exercise with your kids. Make it low impact just to get everyone started and work up to harder exercises. As always, our staff is here to help you on your fitness journey.
Meet with our nutrition counselor!
Main Site - Knox County Community Health Center
11660 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon
Schedule at any location by calling 740-399-8008