How can we make sure children get enough exercise in winter?

Making sure children get enough exercise, even in winter, is a challenge many parents face. Cold weather, shorter days and the attraction of screens often reduce the motivation to be physically active. This in turn can have a negative impact on children’s health and well-being. But exercise is essential to keep fit, boost the immune system and improve mood, especially during the colder months. So how can we encourage children to play outdoors, explore the joys of winter and spend their free time actively?

Dressing properly for winter activities

When dressing children (and ourselves) for winter activities, attention should be paid to the clothes we wear. This is especially important for children who can get overheated or cold easily. For winter activities, it is essential that children are dressed in such a way that their clothing does not impede their movement. The best way to do this is to dress in layers, which allow for adjustments according to the weather conditions and intensity of the activity.

The materials we choose for our children should be such that they wick moisture away from the skin. It is also important to wear materials that retain heat, e.g. woollen jumpers, which are lightweight and effectively warm. It is essential that the top layer is waterproof and windproof. It must protect against cold, snow or rain. Above all, it is important that the clothing is comfortable and allows unhindered movement. Dressing in layers allows individual layers to be removed if it gets too hot.

Which winter activities are suitable for children?

Even when it’s not sunny outside and the ground is covered in snow, there are lots of activities to keep children entertained.

Winter outdoor activities

Winter outdoor activities are not only fun, but also have many benefits for strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular function.

SLEEDING: All you need is a hill and a sledge – and the fun is guaranteed! Climbing up the hill while sledding strengthens your leg muscles, especially your thigh and calf muscles. The arms and torso are also active when children pull the sledge or push themselves with their hands.
SKATING: Skating outdoors or on a skating rink helps develop balance and coordination. If children are not yet able to skate, skating aids are available to help them learn.
NATURE WALKS: Short winter walks through the snowy landscape are an opportunity to explore nature. You can include games such as looking for animal tracks in the snow.
OTHER SNOW ACTIVITIES: snowman design, fort building and snow fights, involving both movement and product design, peer collaboration and bond building among participants.

As parents, we need to set a good example for our children in all our activities. We must follow the rules on ski slopes, toboggan runs or ice rinks and we must be careful when going on winter adventures in the great outdoors. Our behaviour is the best example we can set for our children!

Winter activities in the warm

Activities at home are also a great way to keep children active and entertained, even when it’s too cold or uncomfortable to play outside. Interactive games like dancing to music help children build stamina and have fun at the same time. Children can use soft cushions, chairs and ropes to create an obstacle course. Climbing, jumping or crawling encourages their movement and develops coordination. Children can be encouraged to move through competitions.

Games such as Man Don’t Be Angry, Cards, Puzzles or Monopoly encourage socialising and strategic thinking. For quieter activities such as board games or drawing, it is essential that children sit in an ergonomic chair that supports the spine and encourages correct posture. This reduces the risk of back pain and improves concentration. Our SpinaliS chair is just such a chair, which also adapts perfectly to children and their developing spines. Check out our range of SpinaliS chairs.

How can we integrate exercise into our daily lives in winter?

Incorporating exercise into your daily life in winter can be both easy and fun, if you adapt your routine and make small but effective changes to it. Getting active on the way to school is a great start. If the weather permits, children should walk, or if the school is further away, we can walk part of the way together.

There are plenty of opportunities for exercise at home, too. A morning stretch before school or short workouts with exercises such as squats, lunges and stretches can give you an energetic start to the day. Be active with your children!