Staying fit in the snow...(the with kids version!)

As my blog-partner has suggested in a slightly earlier blog, there are several ways to ensure that you are creatively staying active without getting to the gym. As a mom to a toddler, I have found a few more ways, and as such, here is how my husband and I try to keep ourselves together without getting cabin fever:

- Shovel snow --> my husband did this one, but there's no reason ladies cannot do it to, whether out of necessity or to simply get a really good cardio and weight lifting workout (especially with over 30 inches of snow!)

- Play outside --> my 2.5 year old, Brooklyn, LOVES playing in the snow, and somehow kids don't get cold, so that means we're out their playing for at least an hour. Rather than simply watching your kids, join in the fun! Have a snowball fight, help them build a snowman, make snow-angels, etc. Whatever you can do to keep yourself moving outside. Bonus? Your kids will have an amazing time playing with mom and/or dad.

- Play inside --> This is for you would-be couch potatoes. Don't spend the entire time watching movies and old tv shows you've been missing. It's easy enough to do that one day, but if you've been in the house 6 days straight as I have, you've got to get beyond that. I've followed my tot around and whatever she does, I do! I admit, she may be a bit spoiled after this, but I've had a ball and discovered that my daughter is really bright! From painting to dancing to reading books, not all of it is cardio-intensive, but it keeps me off the couch, and allows me to enjoy time that I usually only get on the weekends. We don't have a Nintendo Wii, but if I did (hint, hint, hubby if you're reading this), I'd be all over that baby too!

- Get some housework done --> Whether its that dirty carpet staring you in the face begging for a deep cleaning, or the simple chores that have to be maintained since you're spending more time at home, don't let the housework get overwhelming. Do things everyday; this allows you to definitely bend your back to get work done, which undoubtedly burns off calories, and you feel better knowing your house is clean!


There may be things that I haven't covered here, but the point is, you can be creative and still active during your day, even WITH kids! And if all else fails, wait for that inevitable nap, pop in a workout dvd, and get to sweating!

stay warm snowbunnies!