Healthy living includes good eating habits, regular exercise and getting plenty of sleep. But sometimes, the daily grind makes each task become one more thing on our to-do lists. How do we break free and have some fun while staying fit? Here is a list of some ideas to get you started. So, grab your spouse and remember Isaac Newton’s first law of motion, “A body in motion stays in motion.”

Hiking / Camping

If you enjoy nature, try planning a camping or hiking trip. If you live by the coast, you can spend the day getting exercise by taking a long walk on the beach. Imagine walking hand in hand along the shore with the salt air and light coastal breeze brushing against your face. Doesn’t this sound like a romantic way to spend the afternoon? And, as the daylight begins to fade, you can share a gift from God in the form of a beautiful sunset.

If you don’t live by the ocean, you can still spend time with nature by planning a day trip to hike or a longer stay to explore a new place you haven’t seen before. Take turns with your spouse picking a new hiking trail or campground to visit. Hiking is a fantastic way to burn some calories. Be sure to pack plenty of water and healthy snacks to maintain your energy level.   

Snow Sports

When is the last time you went to the snow to have some fun? Maybe you live where it snows, or maybe you have to drive a few hours to get to the snow. Either way, there are several activities that are fun and can help you get fit. Snow skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports, but have you ever tried snowshoeing? They say you can burn more calories than jogging at the same pace. Plus you are in the middle of a beautiful winter wonderland that so many of us haven’t truly taken the time to experience.

When you were a child did you ever sled down a hill of snow? There’s no reason why as adults we still can’t tap into our inner child and enjoy the simplicity of this activity. Plus, it’s quite a workout pulling the sled all the way back up the hill each time.

Healthy Cooking

Part of being physically fit includes eating healthy. Try buying a new cookbook or pulling up some low-fat recipes online. It can be a lot of fun cooking and sharing a meal prepared with your spouse. Have each of you select one of the menu items, and enjoy quality time together while you both prepare the food.

If you want to add a little zest to the meal, turn on some music and dance. Try something different by choosing music to fit the style of food you are preparing. It’s like traveling to a different country without even leaving the house. Dancing is a fantastic way to work off calories, and if you end the evening with a slow song it’s also a great way to cuddle up to your significant other.

Running / Walking for Charity

There are so many organizations that hold 5k runs in order to raise money for worthy causes. Find something that interests both of you and sign up to take part in these activities. You can run or walk so there’s no excuse not to do it, and it’s a great way to volunteer your time and help raise money for those in need.  We are reminded in Scripture how important it is to be charitable and help our fellow man.   

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. —Luke 6:38, KJV