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Dashing through the snow…

It is inevitable, the winter months are here and will be here for the next 6 months…especially in Chicago, here are some ways to keep your kids (and yourself) active through these dreary days.

My personal favorite is Dancing! When I was young, I loved watching any show that had music playing and people dancing. Dance Party USA was a must record TV show and even featured an early Kelly Ripa. Nowadays, Dancing with the Stars is a great alternative. You don’t need any equipment, or safety gear only a dance floor. Turn the volume up and get moving. I sometimes try to mimic my daughter, she is only 3 and has moves most have never seen before. She uses every muscle and has never complained
about being tired. There is also nothing like watching an uninhibited child dancing her feet off.

Now I hate to promote video games, but if you have a Wii, you already know that it is a terrific way to stay active inside when the weather doesn’t permit outside. Wii has games that accommodate all ages. When I say all, I really mean it. They even have games for your tiniest tot. Wii sports and Wii Resort are games that come with a Wii console system and are packed full of fun. Boxing is my personal favorite, golf, bowling and tennis are just as fun. Wii Fit is a great gift to get your fitness enthusiast as it provides a great workout (with personal trainer) all from the privacy of your own home.

If you are eager to still get outside and be one with nature, snow is a great resistance mechanism when it comes to any normal exercise. Shoveling the driveway, building a snowman, or a typical snowball fight is certain to get the heart beating, but if you are looking for something a little more exciting, sledding should be at the top of your list. Sure, going down the hills may increase your heart rate, but climbing to the top of the hill to go again is a guaranteed calorie burner.

What do you do to keep active during the winter?

Live Action Role Playing has been around since the ‘70’s but has only been brought to my attention in the last few years. Wikipedia defines Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) as a form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters’ actions. The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world, while interacting with each other in character. The outcome of the player actions may be mediated by game rule, or determined by consensus among players. Event arrangers called gamemasters decide the setting and rules to be used and facilitate play. A game can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Typically LARPers will choose a scenario to act out, I have heard of Star Wars re-enactments, Civil War re-enactments, but the most popular in my opinion is the Medieval Renaissance historical time period re-enactments. Think Medieval Times brought to life. They will dress up in character, and bring a fantasy situation to life! Combat is also very highly regarded in LARP situations. They will use padded weapons, or rubber swords, but there are safety rules that every LARP organization has set in place. Safety is obviously of the utmost of importance. Games without combat are also available…really any make believe situation is available if you have enough interest to conduct a game.

LARPers generally take their hobby very seriously which is shown by the number of websites available that provide LARP gear. I have seen weapons (specially padded for safety), medieval armour suits, and even Elf Ear Tips. The re-enactments appeal to a variety of people…male, female, youth, adult, white, orange, and blue! A typical LARPer has a little more creative juice than the average Joe and a bit more imagination.

If you are interested in finding a game in your area, the website is a great place to start. You would be surprised how many people just like yourself are eager to do this as well.