How to keep kids active and fit whatever the weather

Leading fitness experts recommend that children and adolescents get at least 30 minutes of moderately intensive activity each day. But as the temperature drops, so can your child’s activity level. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be the case.

“Exercise doesn’t have to be competitive,” says Debbie Williams, director of Developmental Assessments for Let It Shine Gymnastics in Franklin, Tenn. “There are also excellent ways to exercise at home: Try just jogging in place or jumping rope, do housework for 30-45 minutes, work in the yard, walk the dog or climb stairs. These are all great fun ideas for exercise.”

Here are a few other activities to keep your child happy and healthy – indoors or out – this season.

A Real Treasure
Plan a treasure hunt around the house. Let the kids take turns coming up with clues and hiding the objects. They’re in the Army now – mom’s army. Turn your playroom or basement into an obstacle course. Use hula hoops, tents and old furniture as the obstacles.

Game On!
Computer and video games aren’t the only games you can play indoors. Blow up a few balloons and play an active game of balloon volleyball – no net required. Help kids exercise their minds and bodies by building their own indoor miniature golf course. Or clear off the kitchen table and use a foam ball and paddles for table tennis.

Running Allowed
Who needs pricey fitness equipment when you have everything you need to stay fit right in your own home? Have the kids jog in place for aerobic exercise. Have a jumping jacks contest or a room-to-room race. (Be sure to first remove all breakables in the “racing zone.”) Then head to the kitchen for “strength training.” Soup cans make perfect pint-sized weights for arm curls.

Shake Your Groove Thing
When all else fails – dance! Pull out the CDs, cassettes or vinyl and turn up the volume. Your kids will have a blast showing mom and dad the latest dance moves. Form a “Soul Train” line and show the kids a few moves of your own. Have a dance-off with healthy snacks as prizes. Research shows that children who have active parents are more likely to become active adults.