Tips for staying active as a family in winter
With summer behind us, the winter weather will be making its
appearance sooner than later. Fortunately, living in Kentuckiana, you and your family should not have an excuse NOT to stay active this winter!
2020 is definitely different and this posts below includes information for all years, not just this very special one! Some of the places may not be open due to the pandemic. Use these ideas to get creative!
Excuse #1: “It is too cold outside!”
Winter should not stop you from going outdoors. According to weather.com, January is the coldest month in our area with average low of 27F and high of 43F. Tegeler recommends dressing appropriately from head to toe with layers is the cure for this excuse. She suggests a wicking layer as the first layer, followed by an insulation layer, and then a shell or windbreaker for the outside. Although the first 5-10 minutes outside maybe a little chilly, layering allows you to stay warm and able to move freely without feeling bogged down. Some outdoor family activities include hiking, mountain biking, sledding, roller blading or skiing. Activities in the woods can protect you from the cool winter winds. Why not try spelunking? On average, Mammoth Cave is around 54F, so that can feel
warm on a chilly day. It is also important to stay hydrated during your activities, so Tegeler suggests packing a backpack with water or even some hot
chocolate to enjoy.
warm on a chilly day. It is also important to stay hydrated during your activities, so Tegeler suggests packing a backpack with water or even some hot
chocolate to enjoy.
Excuse #2: “No time!”
As a family, you find yourself going from one activity to
the next after school and work. If you find yourself watching your kids at their sports practice, maybe use that hour to do some body weight workout or resistant band workouts. You could even do these exercises as
a family during a TV commercial. If your calendar is full, start scheduling dates on the calendar with the family to try some of the wide variety of active things in the area. Why not ask another family to join you too? Kentuckiana has a wide variety of activities that can get your families’ heart rate up and have fun – from jumping on trampolines at Defy, ice skating, roller skating to rock climbing.
the next after school and work. If you find yourself watching your kids at their sports practice, maybe use that hour to do some body weight workout or resistant band workouts. You could even do these exercises as
a family during a TV commercial. If your calendar is full, start scheduling dates on the calendar with the family to try some of the wide variety of active things in the area. Why not ask another family to join you too? Kentuckiana has a wide variety of activities that can get your families’ heart rate up and have fun – from jumping on trampolines at Defy, ice skating, roller skating to rock climbing.
Excuse #3: “Exercising is boring!”
Not all exercising is boring – especially in winter! Your family may not like to run or bike, but why not enjoy something you can only do in winter such as skiing or outdoor ice skating? Your family could take ballroom dance lessons together or yoga. If there is something your family wants to try, more than likely Kentuckiana has it.
Why not make a bucket list of new activities to try that will get your families’ heart pumping this winter?
Here are even more ideas and places (not an exhaustive list
by no means!) to help you and your family to stay active this winter!
by no means!) to help you and your family to stay active this winter!
Indoor Play Areas:
SIGS Sportsplex
Awesome Outdoor Products Review here
Indoor playgrounds at restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A or Oxmoor Center
Indoor Sports Areas:
RockSport, Review here
Louisville Tennis Club offers lessons on their indoor courts
Walking at a mall
Join a soccer, basketball, or volleyball team. Places like 4 Kicks 4 Kidz, Upward Sports (review here), and MidAmerica Sports Center offer some great options.
Enjoy an ice hockey game together with the Louisville Cardinals. Then go ice skating at www.alpineicearena.com or www.icelandlouisville.com together afterwards!
Enjoy an ice hockey game together with the Louisville Cardinals. Then go ice skating at www.alpineicearena.com or www.icelandlouisville.com together afterwards!
Outdoor Activities:
Playing in snow, shoveling
Roller blading at places like Parklands of Floyds Fork
The Fun Farm – laser tag and paintball
Spelunking at Mammoth or one in Indiana
Watch our calendar for Family Friendly Road Races
Check out your local community center for other indoor activities
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/communitycenters/
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/communitycenters/
http://www.jeffparks.org/
http://www.ymcalouisville.org/oldham-county/ – Look on the left side for Lagrange Community Center link – even offers free karate for kids!
http://www.ymcalouisville.org/oldham-county/ – Look on the left side for Lagrange Community Center link – even offers free karate for kids!
And a friendly reminder to check out the LFF calendar for ‘active’ events too!