Wow, its winter! Get out and enjoy it. Though many long for the summer months with the warm weather and all of the outdoor activities, winter has its shining moments. There’s a lot to do beyond the couch for individuals as well as families. Following are some great reasons to get out:
- Promote family activities which build social skills and develop skills for youth as well as adults.
- Increase or maintain active physical activity. Whether it is walking around the block or snowboarding, you are expending calories. The type of activity and the effort you put into it determine calorie expenditure; the more you do, the more calories expended. The USDA recommends 60 minutes or more of physical activity a day for children ages 6 years and older and 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity for adults per week.
- Increase your involvement in community activities in the public and private sector. Lots of communities have recreation programs which you may participate in as well as the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. They may have equipment available for loan for a small fee. To contact the SD Game, Fish and Parks Department for the products available in the family kit call 605-362-2777 or visit: http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/critterCrates.aspx.
- When venturing out, keep safety in mind! If you are going out by yourself carry a cell phone and be sure to let others know where you are going and your plans for return.
- Dress in layers to allow for taking off or adding clothing to maintain warmth and comfort.
- Keep equipment in good operating condition to prevent injuries.
- Take time to warm up and cool down your muscles to prevent strains and sprains.
Following is a brief list of winter activities and estimated calorie expenditure for an individual weighing approximately 175 pounds for 30 minutes:
- Walking, 3 mph, 131calories
- Sledding, 278 calories
- Cross Country Skiing, moderate, 318 calories
- Ice Skating, 278 calories
- Snow Shoeing, 318 calories
- Other family activities may include playing tag in the snow, making snowmen or snow angels, snowboarding, downhill skiing, ice fishing, etc.
Web sites with further information include: