Walking is a great way for the family to get in shape together. All ages can do it – almost. And if they can't walk yet, grab the stroller! Experts agree. "Walking is one of the most healthful and fun ways to gain fitness and family togetherness in one activity," says Catherine Cram, M.S., exercise physiologist, postpartum fitness expert and Family Energy magazine expert advisor.

Cram says the best way to gain fitness from walking is to maintain a brisk pace and include some hills for extra cardiovascular conditioning. "Swing your arms as you walk, and try to walk for at least 30 minutes, three or more days a week," she says. "If some members of the family are in better shape than the others, they can wear a backpack filled with water bottles and other supplies. The extra weight will help provide a good workout for fitter walkers in the case that the walk pace needs to be slower for less fit family members. Keep in mind that walking helps to enhance conversation and mood – two things that can provide a positive reinforcement for continued family walks!"

Turn a Nature Walk Into Art!
Early spring is the perfect time to start walking as a family. The air is cool and crisp, and there are still plenty of leaves to play in along the way. Pinecones, acorns and other gifts of nature are all around just waiting to be collected by your excited child. How would you like to turn a walk into a colorful wreath?

Materials Needed:
An enthusiastic child
Pinecones, twigs, leaves, acorns, tree bark, rocks, budding flowers, etc.
Hay wreath
Hot glue gun
Glue sticks
Ribbon

The Walk
Take along a brown paper sack or a tote bag to hold the treasures you find. Collect pinecones, leaves, rocks, twigs, acorns, pine needles, tree bark, spring flowers or anything else that looks interesting. To make the walk more fun, make it educational and turn it into a counting activity. Count the number of leaves she collects. How many trees does she see? How many squirrels did she see? How many different types of insects did she encounter? Keep an eye open for birds as well. Did she know some of the names of the birds she saw? What color were the birds?

When You Get Home
Cover a table with a layer of newspaper to catch any dirt or other debris that may be in your bag. Have your child sort the items together on the newspaper. At this point, if you desire, you can place the items on a baking sheet and put in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 30 minutes. This will kill any insects or their eggs that might be hiding. Make sure to allow the items to cool a few minutes before starting your project.

Now comes the fun part! Take your hay wreath and let your child tell you where she wants you to hot glue the items on. (Be careful with children around hot glue guns – they can get very hot!) Cover as much of the wreath as you can, though some of the wreath showing is fine. Nuts, such as pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts, add a great look to your wreath. The nuts can also be painted in different colors if you would like to add some color – maybe to match your dinnerware?

After everything is glued on, allow it to sit a few minutes so the glue will be completely dry, then cut a piece of ribbon and add a bow. To hang, simply use a nail to hold it to the wall or tie a piece of ribbon around the top to make a hanger.

Want to see more?

• Family Energy Magazine
• A Pedal Party: Take Your Kids on a Bicycle Trek
• Walking for Life: Turning Footsteps Into Fitness
• Talk about it!