Yoga

Kids are natural yogis. They love stretching and aren’t afraid to look silly and get themselves into various yoga positions. Books such as Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers or My Daddy is a Pretzel are great for both new-to-yoga parents and kids to look over as a start (Itsy Bitsy Yoga also has DVDs). Many areas now have family yoga classes, but yoga is a lot of fun at home too once you get the hang of basic positions. My 3 ½ year old son regularly requests doing “run around yogi” and being rolled up in a yoga mat like a little sushi, both from Itsy Bitsy Yoga. Now when my husband or I does a regular yoga DVD, he likes to participate in the poses that he knows best. Yes, hearing a tot say, “Yay! Trikonasana!” is as funny as you would guess. And while yoga is not meant to be competitive, kids will likely be proud that their little limber bodies can stretch further than ole Mom or Dad’s.

Image © flickr user Autumn

Snowshoeing

Don’t let the snow deter your winter walking. Snowshoeing is a kick butt winter work out that’s really fun, and there are no slopes required. Unlike certain competitive winter sports, snowshoeing lets each person go at their own pace. Just getting off the couch and outside is a start. Think of everyone in the family like a dog (okay that sounded weird but follow me): dogs need their walks outside and so do all of you. Snowshoeing lets you all get safely out there in a way that will allow you to enjoy the natural, snowy beauty without being frozen – you’re guaranteed to work up a sweat while snowshoeing. Being outside can also help boost vitamin D levels and fend off seasonal depression.

Image © flickr user arvindgrover

Dance Party

Okay, you probably don’t have moves like JLo, but trust us, your kids couldn’t care less. They will love moving their bodies along with you, and dance parties are a great way to introduce them to new music, including artists who don’t include animal noises in their songs. Extra calories burned for lifting kids up (free weights!). Oh, and consider your ab workout accomplished since watching tots bounce and sway is hysterical and bound to cause some giggles for everyone. We are pretty much in the dark age when it comes to technology at our house, but Wii Fit apparently has get-up-and-move games of all types and can be done from the comfort of your living room.

Healthy Snacks

While making chocolate chip cookies may be their favorite culinary creation, kids are generally pretty adventurous in the kitchen and will love assisting in making snacks, especially if they are hands-on. Choosing a simple treat like muffins, raw cookies, or any other Tots’-approved snacks or even fresh juices can be a family activity. My son is obsessed with juicing and will add kale and spinach into the juicer without protest. Another trick for healthy snacking: stop your evening snacking when your kids do. My husband and I generally have our snack after the kids are in snoozetown, but we’re trying to change that: experts recommend making your last snack 2-3 hours before bedtime. By having a snack with the kids you are less likely to reach for something unhealthy, since you probably don’t want your kids to know that you eat chocolate cupcakes on a nightly basis.

Image © flickr user Ateo Fiel