Children's Health and Fitness During Winter

It’s so hard to keep children healthy during the winter. Flus, colds, and inclement weather tend to keep children indoors where they are tempted by video games and snack food. Typically, children are incredibly inactive during the winter months. If you’re trying to get your children back into their hyperactive groove but safely indoors, try the suggestions below.

If parents become concerned about their child's lack of physical activity during the winter, there are several indoor exercises children can perform to get their daily exercise. The temperature outside does not have to affect your child's activity level. Parents should find creative ways to get their children active. 

One positive aspect about winter time is that outdoor equipment is usually on sale, and therefore parents can get a reduced price on many items they can use indoors to motivate their child. It is the best time to stock up on jump robes, hula hoops and any other fun clearance items that parents could use to get their child off the couch and on his or her feet. 

• Parents could buy their children a toy that promotes exercise for Christmas. For instance, on the Little Tikes Web site, parents can purchase any of the Totsports series, which features a basketball, golf, t-ball, hockey and bowling set.

• The day of passively playing video gaming are over. Video game consoles, like Wii, have created games like Wii Fit, EA Sports Active, DDR and Wii Sports Resort that require gamers to be active.

• Take your child to a local gym to swim. Swimming is not only a great source of exercise, but also a favorite summer activity that children can enjoy indoors in the winter.

• Parents could sign their child up for gymnastics or other indoor sports like soccer. Gymnastic classes are offered for children as young as 2.

• Parents should eat at places with an indoor playground.  McDonald's and Chuck E. Cheese are great places for children to play.

• Take your child bowling. Many bowling alleys have kiddie lanes to help children learn how to play.

• Create treasure hunts inside of your house. Put clues in opposite areas in your house so your child can get the most physical activity.

• Have a jump rope or hula hoop contest with your child. You and your child can have fun with each other while exercising.

• Go a roller skating or ice skating. This is a great opportunity to teach your child a new skill, and improve coordination and balance.

• Yoga is for people of all ages. FitTV has daily yoga routines on TV. The whole family could find a time that works for everyone and exercise together.

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