January:

Start the new year by trying out a fitness center. Many offer New Year’s Resolution specials.

February:

Give your heart a Valentine’s Day gift with dance lessons, such as salsa, tango, or belly dancing.

March:

Anything can be fun with upbeat music, including spring cleaning.

April:

Work in your garden. Bending, lifting, and stretching are all great exercises.

May:

Build your endurance and strength with a bike ride during National Bike Month. Remember your helmet.

June:

Once your grandchildren are out of school for the summer, ask them to teach you their favorite type of physical activity.

July:

Cool off with a water aerobics class.

August:

Celebrate National Bowling Week the first week in August. Get friends and family together and challenge each other to a friendly tournament.

September:

If you’ve heard about the benefits of yoga but haven’t tried it yet, National Yoga Awareness Month is a great time to find special events and trial classes for beginners.

October:

Take a hike to do some leaf looking. Pick apples or pumpkins. The beautiful colors are inspirational, and a brisk walk is great for your endurance!

November:

Now that the leaves have fallen, rake and bag the leaves.

December:

Try ice skating or building a snowman. If you have holiday shopping to do, walk the entire mall each time you’re there.

——–

Information adapted from Go4Life – Everyday Fitness ideas from the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

If you would like more information on “Fun Ideas for Being Active All Year” contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus – University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.