While some animals hibernate in winter, you need to keep your body moving to keep yourself healthy. Sian Stimson, a Certified and Registered Nutrition and Health Coach, shares her top tips on how to keep moving over winter…

It’s time to “move it, move it!”

Hi Upstarters,

Did you know that some animals hibernate in the winter? It’s how they deal with the harshness of the season.

They curl up in a safe place and stay there until winter ends. Their breathing slows, their temperature drops, and they don’t move. They look like they are sleeping - for a very long time!

Humans don’t do that - we need to move regularly - even in the colder months!

Moving your body is a great way to keep yourself healthy - not only does it help build strength, keep your joints flexible, and get your heart and lungs working properly, but moving your body helps take care of your brain too.

So, let’s get moving!

SIAN, Health Hub

Activity ideas for New Zealand’s Autumn and Winter months…

If you’ve been enjoying lots of outdoor fun during the summer, there’s no reason to stop just because the weather is getting a bit cooler or wetter.

 Want some fun outdoor activities to do in the autumn and winter? Check out this list:

• Kick fallen leaves

• Make an obstacle course in your backyard

• Play tag

• Visit a playground

• Go ice skating

• Take up a winter sport (there are LOTS to choose from)

• Jump in puddles

• Challenge your family to a running race

• Have a snowball fight

• Do a scavenger hunt

The Movement Challenge…

Moving daily is important, but so is moving in different ways. Here’s a challenge - track how you move over the next week - can you find seven different ways to move?

If you don’t feel like getting outside, try these indoor movement activities:

• Dancing to your favourite tunes

• Vacuuming (and you’re helping out at home!)

• Star jumps and squats

• Balloon racing - place a balloon between your knees and waddle across the room without dropping it.