Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Looking forward to the snowy season and all it has to offer? Winter can be a great time to get outside and keep fit — for you and your family.

But what if everyone in your house believes that winter is a time for hibernating in front of the TV? Don't despair: the whole family can do lots of fun things once the weather turns frosty.

Beating the Cold-Weather Blahs

Once a chill is in the air, our bodies begin to want to conserve energy to use as heat. We tend to eat a little more and become less active. Being cooped up inside and being more sedentary can lead to the "cold-weather blahs." Kids might feel more tired, lethargic, or even a little bored.

A good way to kick this feeling is to get them out into the snow to play! Winter can be a great time for family activities that allow you to spend time with your kids while being active.

Types of Cold-Weather Sports

Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing are just a few sports that everyone in your family can try.

Skiing. Alpine (downhill) skiing is an easy sport to try, but novice skiers should take a lesson first and get instructions on staying safe. Many ski resorts have reasonably priced lessons for first-timers. A competent instructor can show kids the proper techniques while also ensuring they start on a hill that's appropriate for their skill level.

Snowboarding. Snowboarding is also popular. Kids especially love this type of snow "surfing," and many resorts offer the equipment for rental along with traditional skis. Snowboarding uses different techniques than downhill skiing, so your family should take a few lessons first. If you've been on a surfboard in water, you'll find the snowboarding style familiar.

Snowshoeing. Snowshoeing doesn't require any particular skills or specialized equipment, and it can be done almost anywhere there's snow. The snowshoeing technique is as easy as walking, so anyone can do it. If you like walking, hiking, or running, you'll find that strapping on a pair of snowshoes is a great way to work out. The slower pace of snowshoeing also allows family members to stay together. Traditional snowshoes can be strapped onto any pair of boots without heels and can be rented from an outdoor equipment retailer.

Ice skating. You may remember struggling with weak ankle support when ice skating as a child, but great improvements in skate design have improved the skating experience. Take your family out to the rink for an afternoon or evening of ice skating. Many rinks rent molded fiberglass skates that have more ankle support and warmth than figure skates.

Cold-Weather Getaways

If you've decided to make the best of the cold weather, why not plan a weekend escape? You can easily fill your trip with plenty of fun cold-weather sports that will appeal to everyone in your family.

The Internet is a good way to begin your search. Online travel reservation services can help with resort guides. Many communities host consumer shows that focus on cold-weather activities; keep an eye on your local paper for places and dates.

A travel agent will also have listings of resorts that specialize in winter activities. Another good place to check is your state tourism bureau; these agencies usually have free brochures that list events in your area.

Warm Up
5 Minutes
10 Jumping Lunges
10 Burpees
Down High Knee Skip
Back Karaoke Shuffle
10 Sit Ups
10 Push Ups
Down Bear Crawl
Back Broad Jumps

Skill
Hang Squat Clean

EMOM for 5 Mins
5 Knees To Elbows

WOD
12-9-6-3
Hang Squat Clean
Burpees

Show 'Em How It's Done

People start CrossFit for countless reasons. They want to look good, lose weight, gain weight, get stronger, feel better — and the list goes on. Once CrossFit gets tough and the initial shine wears off, however, everyone has to look for a reason to keep going, day in and day out. For many parents, it’s their kids.  Here at CFNA, we've created a gym that is adult and kid friendly.  This gives people the opportunity to not just change their lives but also the lives of their families.  Kids learn to love Crossfit just as quickly if not quicker than their parents.  When everyone is involved it's easier for some parents to stay committed to Crossfit. Ralph and his kids are constantly doing Crossfit movements outside of the gym.  Obviously Ralph loves Crossfit, but I doubt he would do as much as he does outside of the gym if it weren't for his kids constantly wanting to do push ups, sit ups,  run, and jump. 
CrossFit allows parents to set an example. It’s easier to discuss a healthy lifestyle when the kids see their parents live according to the principles of hard work, fitness and sound nutrition.  The interaction that I've seen between some of the parents and kids that are in our program is awesome! After the workout is over, parent and child reunite and will stay after to share what they just learned and help teach other. Parents will help the kids with rope climbs or pullups and in turn kids help parents overcome a hesitance to jump on that 20" or 24" box.  
We are so blessed to have an official Crossfit Kids program with the great staff of trainers that we have and the amount of space that we have. Bring your kids in to watch you workout if they aren't a member of the kids program yet or aren't old enough.  We have a daycare program set up to start this week.  Take advantage of it! Being active should be a fun and normal part of your life. Talk with your kids about the benefits of being active and making healthy choices.
For kids, Crossfit is a game.  The parents think its funny to watch the kids play on the equipment, but it's really just a reminder that we're in a big playground for adults too.  Kids see an endless potential to have fun and we should too!

Warm Up
5 Minutes
Snow Angel Up(Jumping Jacks) & Downs(Snow angel on back on ground)
*Instructor says up or down and the kids react


Skill
Snowball Medball Deadlifts


Game

WOD
2 Rounds
1 Minute Stations
Roll the snowball D&B (Medball)
Snow Drift Jumps (Box Jumps)
Snow Angels (Jumping Jacks)
Snowball Goblet Squats (10# KB)
*1 Min rest between rounds