It occurred to me the other day that I had been looking at my fitness the wrong way. I had been trying to squeeze in trips to the gym in between work and looking after the children and as a result I was becoming stressed. I wasn’t getting to the gym as often as I wanted to and the constant juggling of trying to fit it in was making exercise seem like a chore. Then it occurred to me that I was looking at it all wrong. Instead of trying to juggle everything I should be combining it all. So this weekend saw me dragging the family outdoors for a hike with me.
Getting outdoors even in the cold and drizzle is so good for the soul. So on Sunday we wrapped up warm and headed to Val De La Mare reservoir and arboretum. It is one of our favourite places to visit as it is really safe for the children and there are so many different paths and hiding places to explore. When we go on these walks we like to take a bag to collect any treasure we find.
Our treasure could be interesting looking leaves, fairy cups (acorn shells to you and me) or beautiful bark from one of the many trees.
This is the children’s favourite tree as it looks like it is shedding its skin. We found some lovely bark from it on the floor and added it to our treasure bag!
Although it was a gloomy day we had fun running and hiding behind the trees whilst keeping an eye out for any bears that might be lurking.
After exploring the forgotten forest we emerged out into the sunlight where we found the reservoir.
Nestled next to the reservoir were some boats. The children informed me that the boats belonged to pirates hunting for their treasure.
With the wind chill starting to work its way beneath our layers of clothes we decided to run back to the car.
Whilst finding muddy puddles to jump in on the way.
Not ideal footwear for a muddy walk but I still haven’t got round to buying us all wellies. I keep hoping that the rain will be stopping soon. When we got back home we snuggled under blankets, excitedly chatting about our walk over big mugs of warm cocoa whilst munching on chocolate eclairs. We really love getting out for walks as a family but with the recent never ending rain we haven’t been going out as much. We realised that we can still have fun outdoors whatever the weather. The children love charging around outdoors and it seems to stoke their imaginations as they invent incredible stories, it is also good for us as we get much needed exercise keeping up with the children. A walk is also fantastic for clearing my head too which really helps with my work.
After our fun adventures in the forest we all slept very well with some of us having fantastic dreams about pirates burying their treasure in the woods.
Great post, and great way to get exercise with the whole family!
Thanks! 🙂
Welcome to my kind of exercise. the gym is boring by comparison, keep the kids involved, try chasing them, collecting things and generally embracing nature and you find you’ve traveled further than you would on a tread mill, filled your lungs with fresh air not sweaty air and enjoyed some quality family time. Looks like a lovely place to be exploring and the trainers look like they survived the mud really well. I’d hold off on the wellies till next winter, unless you win some muddy puddles with me that is, either way don’t let footwear get in the way of some good old family fun. Thank you for sharing on #CountryKids.
Yes, much nicer than the treadmill 🙂 The trainers were a lot muddier by the time we got back but we found a stream to wash them in. We all had lots of fun exploring and getting out in the fresh air!
Combining both worlds is definitely a grand idea 🙂 And looks like everyone had fun too. Looks cold though, but I bet no one felt it! #whatevertheweather.
The kids loved it. I was ready for the warmth by the end though! 🙂
Definitely a great way to stay fit and it sounds like such a lovely family adventure. I love how much you used your imaginations while out exploring and so clever to take a bag. You can’t beat simple days out like this exploring. With a little imagination, walks can be made so magical. Thank you for sharing your adventure on #whatevertheweather x
It looks like such a beautiful place. I too just starting dragging my family outdoor at the weekend. Besides, they’ll be bored watching TV all day anyway. Look like everyone had a great time in the forest. #whatevertheweather x
Yes, we have to get out otherwise cabin fever sets in when they watch too much tv!
This is completely me too, I never have time (or feel like!) going to the gym, instead we just go out everyday. This would be fine excercise wise if I could only stop eating so much chocolate and cakes!! Love the peeling Eucalyptus tree, they do have such unusual bark. I made O a little bag for his treasures when he was little, but forgotten all about it, thanks for reminding me, will need to get it out for the boys to use when out. It looks like a beautiful walk, hope you have many more lovely walks there this year!
This so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x
My downfall is chocolate and cake too. If only I could resist! 🙂