Sunshine or clouds, walking together is a perfect way to enjoy exercise with the whole family. If it’s snowy where you live, take a cue from my niece and nephew in North Carolina—their gleeful video of a sled ride made my day! California and other parts of the country have seen lots of rain of late, but don’t let that stop you either, grab an umbrella and enjoy the scenery. The Sunrise/Sunset can help you to warm up your muscles before you head out and the Lying down twist will cool them down when you return.

When I moved from a city apartment to a downtown loft, I gained space and a vibrant neighborhood, but left behind living within walking distance of the Hollywood hills. Luckily, just before I moved, a friend gave me a book of 38 walking tours of the city so now, instead of walking the same lovely but familiar route, my walks will cover new territory. If walking is already part of your exercise routine, try changing it up this month! Take a new route through the park or walk the track in the opposite direction.

If you’re not much of a walker—or exercise in general feels like a chore—give walking a try. Notice what happens to your mood and attitude, not to mention your energy and sense of well being, after even a short walk through the neighborhood.

Creative Twist: Like yoga, walking is the kind of exercise that naturally integrates body, mind, and heart. With creative energy, you can turn a local walk into a magical adventure! Use a blank book as a discovery log. Take it on the journey and write or draw what you notice. Encourage children to use their senses; what do you see, smell, hear, and touch? Notice the new and the familiar alike. Are there new textures to be found on walkways or playgrounds? Make a texture tracing with a crayon. Find some petals or leaves on the ground? Press them between the pages of the book. A camera is a nice addition, but start with the basics—paper, a pencil, a box of crayons—sometimes limitations inspire the imagination. Before you know it, you all will have filled a book of adventures and exercised mind, body, and heart in the process!

Happy trails!

~Annie

For more information on Annie Buckley’s Kids Yoga Deck or Once Upon a Time: Creative Writing Fun for Kids, please see Chroniclebooks.com or Anniebuckley.com.