Kids fitness center offers winter tips

A local fitness center for kids is promoting some easy tips to keep your young ones healthy active as the temperature outside continues to decline.

My Gym Ahwatukee, 4142 E. Chandler Blvd., offers classes and activities for children throughout the year, but a spokeswoman said the winter months can be hardest to get motivated and stay active.

Meredith Jenkins of My Gym compiled a list of 10 tips that are easy to follow and can provide a fun alternative to watching television or playing video games:

1. Take a walk. Even small increments of activity add up over the course of a week.

2. Yard work and cleaning the house can be fun for you and your kids. For example, wash or put away the dishes, fold laundry, sweep or vacuum the house and even use the mop.

3. Go to the park, walk the dog and play with him, and play catch or plan trips with family and friends that involve activities such as biking, paddle-boating, hiking, swimming, skiing - or even just walking to a museum.

4. Walk while you shop. When you're at the mall, make sure your child is walking everywhere; eliminate the stroller if your child is old enough to walk.

5. Play with your child. Take them outside to a playground or in your backyard where they can get active. Build a sand castle or a snowman.

6. Exercise with your kids. Studies have proven that if your children see you keeping fit, they'll want to do the same.

7. It's cold outside, so build a fire and make it a family activity by having the kids stack or carry in wood.

8. Marketing and cooking. Have kids help carry the groceries, from the car to the house. While you're cooking, ask your kids to get involved.

9. Holidays are a happy time so take advantage and laugh a lot - it burns calories and builds stomach muscles!

10. Eat smart. Let your child help in making meals while teaching him or her about healthy eating.

My Gym offers facilities for children from six weeks to 13 years old. They will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11, and will be giving away prizes such as two lifetime memberships and a $50 discount for birthday parties booked at the event. To find out more about classes, call (480) 940-4967 or visit www.My-Gym.com.