Three Ideas For Family Fitness This Season
It has begun. That time of year when the days are noticeably colder, darker and in some parts of Australia, shorter. When family outings to parks and beaches gradually give way to solitary indoor pursuits, and fitness plans threaten to come apart at the seams. But you really don’t have to pack away your sense of play and energy levels with the picnic basket.
The outdoor world takes on a different beauty in autumn and winter, and there is no good reason why you should miss out on enjoying it with your family. The trick to drumming up everyone’s enthusiasm during the next few months lies in the choice of activities.
Instead of hustling them onto familiar walking trails and bike paths, rally them into trying out a new fitness activity that is hugely fun and a good workout. Here are a few ideas.
Horseback Riding
Lush national parks. Stunning coastlines. Mountain trails. You may have seen it all before on foot or from the seat of your bike but the view is markedly different when you are on horseback. Plus all that cantering and galloping will do wonders for your physique. Passive sitting is impossible in horse riding so your legs, core and arms will be working hard to keep you in the saddle. And all that time spent straddled over the horse’s back will also give you an added flexibility in the hips and hamstrings.
Saddle Up At:
Equathon
Watsons Trail Rides
Kayaking
The cold can make getting into the water extremely undesirable but you don’t have to confine yourself to land for two whole seasons. Get yourself paddles and a kayak, and you’re all set for a great experience. The basic skills of kayaking can be learnt in a couple of days, then it all comes down to whether you want to enjoy it as a challenge or a relaxing family activity. Either way, each good stroke you execute will give every upper body muscle and a few lower body ones a solid work out.
Glide on water at:
Sea Kayak Australia
Australian Kayaking Adventures
Rock Climbing
The beauty of rock climbing is that you don’t always have to be outdoors to enjoy it. Start off at an indoor climbing centre and once you find your footing, it could be time to head outdoors for the real thing. Climbing is a fantastic way to work out different muscle groups as well as improve your strength and muscle definition. Many regular climbers find they have low body mass indexes, low body fat percentages and a stronger handgrip. That should be more than enough reason for you to snap on those belays.
Scale the heights at:
Australian School of Mountaineering
Rock Climbing Adventures Tasmania
What are your favourite outdoor family activities when the weather gets nippy? Share them with us in the comments section below!
(Main image credit: splitshire.com)
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