While it’s true that Summer provides many wonderful opportunities for physical fitness, there’s no need to call it quits when the snow starts flying. Limit that computer, television and video game time and do something that will keep your bodies healthy during those long winter months.

Best of all, each is an activity you can do as a family without putting a big dent in your wallet  -unless you choose to go out for dinner afterwards! Here are 8 total (4 outdoor and 4 indoor) free or inexpensive ideas to get your family moving: 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITES:

Don't forget to follow these activities with giant mugs of low-fat hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows - which are naturally fat free too!

1. Slip-Sliding Away

Break out those sleds and find a hill to coast down. Have sled races – loser has to carry both sleds back up the hill.

2.  Snowball Fight!

Bundle up warm and head outdoors for a good, old fashioned snowball fight! Team-up or opt to make it each family member for him or herself. If getting pummeled with snow doesn’t sound appealing, have a snowball throwing contest to see who can come closest to hitting a predetermined target. Just make sure it’s not your neighbor’s window.

3. Head to the Lake!

As soon as that lake freezes over, lace up those skates and take a spin (or a tumble) on the ice. No lakes around? Check into local indoor ice arenas, where you’ll get a feel for the outdoors and stay a tad bit warmer too!

4. Shovel the Driveway

Who needs snow blowers? Be productive while staying fit. Work those muscles and heave-ho that snow off your driveway. Create one huge pile that to climb and jump off or slide down afterwards.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES:

So cold weather isn’t your cup of hot tea? Here are 4 indoor activities to enjoy with your family during those chilly months.

1. Watch TV!

But not while sitting on the couch. Dust off those exercise videos and form your own family fitness class. Whether it’s yoga, aerobics, or Tae-boe, exercising together as a family is fun! Mix it up by have each person take a turn as “instructor.”

2. Make Some Waves

Check out your local public school or community pool for Open Swim sessions. Many offer great specials on certain days of the week where you can swim for only a couple bucks. Regular swim fixes should tide you over until summer shines its face again.

3. Go Shopping!

Window shopping, that is. Don those tennis shoes and go for a brisk walk around the mall. Most malls open an hour early specifically to accommodate mall walkers. Check out the windows of your favorite stores – you may even find some great bargains while you’re there!

4. Turn Up the Volume 

Crank up your favorite tunes on the CD player and dance! Do-si-do, do the macarena, hip-hop or just move any way the music takes you. Breaking a sweat will never be so fun!

Now that you have several ideas to keep your family fit this winter, what are you doing sitting here? Get up and get move your way to some quality time with your family!

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