By Brianne Spinelli
 
Brianne Spinelli is an “Auntie by Relation” (ABR) to Julia, Alexis, and Lucas. Connect with her on Twitter at @freetobebree or here on SavvyAuntie.com, member name: AuntBree.
 
2013 is officially in full swing. Now, just over two weeks in, it’s getting harder to maintain those lofty New Year’s resolutions. Who only knows how many of them have gone completely by the wayside already. Even if we’ve managed to fall off the wagon of our 2013 aspirations already, it’s not too late to give it another go. A fun way to keep the motivation up is to figure out ways to employ the help of nieces and nephews. One popular resolution tends to be the decision to get healthy, in shape, and all around fit. There are a number of options that will help get you moving while having the time of your life and creating memories with your cherished nieces and nephews.
 
1. Video Games
With so many “get active” video games on the market today, there’s no exploiting the cold, winter weather as an excuse for lack of athleticism anymore. Gaming systems, such as the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect, are great tools for getting your heartbeat up when the mercury goes way down. The sky’s the limit on the number of activities users can participate in, including but not limited to running, yoga, cycling, football, dance, hula hooping, and various strength training exercises. When spending quality time with the nieces and nephews, challenge them! The friendly competition coupled with their youthful energy will help keep everyone involved entertained and in action. The laughter this activity will produce is bound to help in burning a few calories on its own.
 
2. Outdoor Fun
Many winter sports are fantastic outlets for physical fitness and fun. Take advantage of all the skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating you can while there is still time for it. Don’t live in a particularly frosty region or experiencing a bout of unseasonably warm weather? Even better! Hit the park for rounds of tag, biking, or inline skating. Score some bonus “Awesome Auntie” points by having an adept niece or nephew teach you how to skateboard. (You’d be surprised how much core strength is required just to balance on one of those things!)
 
3. Dance Parties
Take a cue from Lady GaGa and “Just Dance.” Create a playlist of dance songs, ensuring to include nieces’ and nephews’ favorites, and just let that baby play! When you’ve got all the best tunes pumping and the best dance partners around, you’ll feel free to just let loose and shake your “thang.” Glow sticks and disco lights will help transform your living room into a bumping dance club that is cover-free and devoid of judgmental patrons.

Published: January 16, 2013