When the temperature starts to drop, finding indoor activities can be challenging. In times like this, consider taking the family to an indoor swimming pool or indoor rock climbing center. Anne Arundel County has two popular indoor swimming pools: North Arundel Aquatic Center and Arundel Olympic Swim Center. Both centers have adult aquatic programs, and North Arundel Aquatic Center also has a kid’s water park for children as young as three. Other than the water park, North Arundel Aquatic Center features a 134-foot water slide, splash-down area, water buckets, preschool water slide, vortex area, and a poolside spa for adults. Spending time alone One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to spend time alone. Not only is it essential, but it is a powerful way to foster self-awareness, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Everyone needs this space to regroup and reconnect with their inner voice. Finding time to exercise shouldn’t be a grueling task waiting to be conquered daily. The more frequently we move, the more empowered we are in terms of our health, mental clarity, and overall vitality. One of my favorite fall activities is going for a hike, especially as the leaves start to turn colors! Hiking is a great endurance sport. For optimal fat-burning power, low-intensity hiking is an excellent way to burn calories. This means you can breathe easily through your nose and converse with a friend. Maryland is great because there are so many trails and places to explore. No matter how long or short of a hike you take, the views along the way are absolutely worth it. For a quick workout, try a moderate to high-intensity mini-workout session. This could be doing 20 jumping jacks in the kitchen while waiting for your coffee to brew or running in place while watching your favorite sports team. The premise of these mini-workouts is based on high- intensity interval training. Each workout is all about short bursts of moderate to high-intensity activity followed by an active rest period. These exercises are a great way to engage your entire body while keeping your heart rate elevated. Other workouts that are excellent for smaller chunks of free time are yoga and meditation. These exercises help you tune in and work with your body. Reducing stress and anxiety while improving focus and concentration are the primary benefits I enjoy from these workouts. YouTube has a variety of poses and music to listen to for relaxation. Both activities are a great way to jumpstart and/or end your day.
Incorporating your kids As a mom with three children, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that my kids are attached to me at the hip (at least for now). October and November are filled with lots of local outdoor activities, such as pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hikes, and 5k races, that we can do to exercise and still spend time with our families. We just have to know when to bring them along. For those who have small children, such as babies or toddlers, going for a stroller ride/jog is a great way for kids to enjoy the scenery while you workout. There are also local mom groups that meet up throughout the week to walk or jog together. Most local fall events are stroller- friendly, so make sure to keep this in mind when you’re planning your family outings. Another great way to exercise is by using your baby or toddler as weight resistance. Whether you’re walking around at a local event, at a park, or at home working out, putting your baby on your chest or back will definitely help you to feel the burn. Strength training with children can really ignite your core muscles.
Other common workouts with babies/toddlers include pushups with your little one on your back, shoulder presses, and squats. Lunges and other bodyweight movements can also help to create a quick but effective workout. It’s also worth noting that making playtime active by having a dance party for your kids while you exercise is a fun way to get everyone involved. Families with older kids might opt for other modes of excitement when exercising together. Family bike rides are a great way to spend quality time and get some good exercise. If you love to bike ride and have young children, there are a variety of child carriers and bike trailers that can help the entire family ride together. Making this a weekly family activity will definitely keep you fit.
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