Aside from winter, there may be other occasions when it just isn’t feasible to exercise outdoors with your family. For example, you wouldn’t want to brave a torrential downpour when leading the family out on a run, although you might do that if you were out on your own. Likewise, there may be days that are just too hot to exercise outside safely, particularly if you have children with you.
However, it’s important to stay active especially when you’re cooped up indoors, as it helps to alleviate bad moods, and it can stave off cabin fever. The simplest way to go about this is to turn your home into being exercise friendly. It’s as easy as using an exercise DVD or establishing a small, simple home gym in a room dedicated to fitness. In addition to allowing you to get sufficient physical activity, exercising in the home can also prevent seasonal illnesses from spreading.
Alternatively, try getting everyone involved in chores if staying inside is unavoidable. This might not be everyone’s idea of a workout or a good time, but the house will be cleaner for it.
If exercising at home is not possible or quickly becomes boring, try joining a gym that provides programs that suit members of all ages. If this is not possible, get out of the house but still avoid bad weather by seeing what sports are available at the nearest community center.
Racquet sports are a pertinent example, as the equipment required is usually available at the venue itself, they can be played indoors, and everyone can participate. If available, indoor swimming pools are another way to ensure the family stays active.
It’s also important to watch what you eat if you can’t go out as much as you would like. Regular exercise requires energy to be replenished, but the amount of food you and your family eat, as well as what is eaten, should be proportionate to the amount of physical activity you get. When you’re coped up indoors, it’s all too easy to reach for another snack or serve the same portions as you would when “properly†active, which is why extra vigilance is required.
