As the winter season blankets much of the US in snow, it’s the perfect time to add the magic and joy of the season into your PE classes. Engaging students in winter-themed activities not only promotes physical fitness but also adds a festive twist to traditional activities. In this blog, we’ve compiled 13 creative and enjoyable winter-themed indoor activity ideas that you can do with your students, turning your gym into a winter wonderland of movement and fun!
1. Snowball Toss (Yuki Balls):
Set up a target toss game or create a snowball fight using Gopher’s 3.5” white Yuki Balls. Students aim for the targets, promoting throwing accuracy and coordination in a winter-themed activity while also having tons of fun safely throwing snowballs.
2. Snowman Building Challenge:
Set up a “Snowman Building” station where students use scooters to collect different parts of a snowman (represented by cones, hoops, noodles, and other equipment). Then have students build a snowman using the equipment they gather.
3. Ice Skating Relay:
Spice up relay races by having students use Gopher’s GoGliderz as makeshift ice skates. The activity enhances teamwork, balance, and coordination while incorporating the joy of winter ice skating.
4. Frosty Fitness Dice Exercises:
Keep the workout engaging by using Gopher’s TossUp Dice with different winter exercises on each side. Students roll the dice and perform the indicated exercise, adding an element of surprise and variety to their winter-themed fitness routine.
Winter-Themed Fitness Ideas:
- Snowflake Jumps: Perform jumping jacks with a twist by extending your arms and legs outward in the shape of a snowflake during each jump.
- Santa’s Sleigh Lunges: Take a step forward into a lunge position, imagining you’re pulling Santa’s sleigh. Alternate legs to work both sides.
- Snowy Mountain Climbers: Perform mountain climber exercises with a snowy theme, simulating the action of climbing a snow-covered mountain. This activity targets the core, shoulders, and cardiovascular fitness.
- Polar Bear Plank: Hold a plank position while imagining you’re a strong polar bear enduring the challenges of winter.
- Reindeer High Knees: Lift your knees high with a running-in-place motion, mimicking the prancing of Santa’s reindeer.
- Gingerbread Twist: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and twist your torso side to side, as if you’re mixing gingerbread batter. This movement engages your core and obliques.
- Sleigh Ride Sprints: Perform short, intense sprints as if you’re dashing through the snow on a sleigh ride.
- Present-Box Squats: Pretend you’re picking up and placing holiday gift boxes as you perform squats.
- Candy Cane Crunches: Lie on your back and, instead of regular crunches, lift your upper body towards your knees while pretending to hold a giant candy cane.
- Hanukkah Dreidel Spin: Perform standing torso twists, imagining you’re spinning like a Hanukkah dreidel.
5. Candy Cane Curling:
Create an indoor version of curling by using Gopher’s CurlingPro Set or mix it up with CurlingPro Bowling.
6. Sleigh Ride Scooters:
Transform scooters into sleighs using jump ropes, and have students glide across the gym floor. This activity promotes teamwork as students work together to navigate their “sleighs” through the winter landscape.
7. Jingle Bell Jog:
Attach jingle bells to shoelaces and encourage students to jog, creating a musical and rhythmic experience. Take your class around the halls for a fun jog and memorable experience!
8. Snowflake Disc Toss:
Decorate discs as snowflakes and challenge students to toss them into hoops or targets creating a winter wonderland!
9. Snowshoe Shuffle:
Have students shuffle across the gym floor or do different relays with paper plates on their feet, mimicking the motion of snowshoes.
10. Ice Fishing:
Use Gopher’s Backyard Casting pack to set up an Ice Fishing exploration! Students can practice all aspects of fishing right within the gym!
11. Winter Olympics Relay:
Design a relay race with various winter sport-themed stations, such as ice skating (GoGliders), ice hockey (floor hockey) and bobsledding (scooters). This activity incorporates elements of the Winter Olympics into a dynamic and engaging relay.
12. Mitten Matching:
Scatter mittens around the area, and have students match pairs while doing exercises at each mitten. This activity combines memory, coordination, and cardiovascular exercise with a festive twist.
13. Winter Yoga Poses:
Introduce yoga poses inspired by winter elements. This station encourages flexibility, balance, and mindfulness while connecting students to the serene aspects of the winter season.
Sample Yoga Poses:
- Snowflake Pose: Stand tall with feet together and arms extended overhead, palms facing each other. Imagine yourself as a snowflake gently falling from the sky.
- Reindeer Forward Fold: Start in a standing position, then hinge at your hips and fold forward. Allow your arms to dangle towards the floor as you imagine the stretch mimicking the gracefulness of a reindeer lowering its head.
- Winter Tree Pose: Ground one foot firmly while lifting the other to rest against the inner thigh or calf, avoiding the knee. Extend your arms overhead, palms facing each other. Imagine yourself as a winter tree standing tall, finding balance and stability in the midst of the season’s stillness.
- Snowman Child’s Pose: Begin in a kneeling position, then sit back on your heels and reach your arms forward on the mat. Rest your forehead on the ground, resembling a snowman’s rounded body. This relaxing pose stretches the back, hips, and shoulders, promoting a sense of calm.
- Candlestick Pose: Lie on your back and lift your legs and lower back off the ground, supporting your lower back with your hands. Imagine yourself as a candle, bringing warmth and light to the winter darkness. This inversion helps improve circulation and reduces fatigue.
One Response
awesome ideas! I will see what the budget will allow for purchase. I also have classes for special needs so I will check out adaptive ideas in your catalog.