(PCM) When the weather turns chilly, it’s tempting to banish the outdoors and curl up by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa, but that won’t last long with a house full of energetic kids. Instead of attempting to keep the family indoors, embrace the wintry weather! Make the most of it by getting everyone bundled up and heading outdoors; take a family trip to the slopes or ice skating rink – or even just your own backyard! Not only will it bring the whole family together, everyone will get the exercise we all so desperately need this time of year.
Here’s what you can burn in just half an hour of the following activities:
Sledding – 240 calories
It depends how many trips you make up and down the hill, but if you’re not slacking (and if you’re sledding with children you probably won’t be) you can burn about 240 calories.
Cross-Country Skiing – 340 calories
This is one of the best workouts you can get in the winter, and even in a nearby park or field. You don’t have to spend hundreds on a family trip to the slopes, plus, it’s a great way to learn the basics and let the kids get the feel of skis, so eventually you can go…
Skiing on the slopes – 240 calories
Sure, it’s more expensive, but it’s a great family activity that you can make a family tradition, even if it is just once a year! A day on the slopes can burn up to an entire day’s worth of calories, so make sure you fuel up with an energy-packed breakfast!
Ice Skating – 240 calories
Ice skating is great winter exercise, and it’s fun for the whole family! Whether you take the family to an indoor skating rink or head to the great outdoors, you’ll burn a ton of calories and maybe even discover the next Kristi Yamaguchi in the making!
Shoveling – 200 – 300 calories
It may not be the most fun of all winter activities, but it has to get done! Bundle everybody up and get to work. It doesn’t have to feel like a chore; make it fun by turning up some music and building snowmen from the shoveled snow piles! The driveway will be clear in no time, and you’ll burn a couple hundred calories or more depending on how much help you get from the family.
Snow Tubing – 200 to 300 calories
Let the fun begin! Take it to the slopes for a day of barreling down hills in big rubber tubes! It’s an activity sure to please all age groups, from the youngest to the oldest. Skip the ski lift and walk up the hill for maximum calorie burn.
*Calories based on a 150-pound woman
Reference: Everyday Health