Moms are a special kind of woman; they sacrifice so much for their families, oftentimes at the expense of their own well-being.
The best way to give back to your mom is with the gift of health, and this priceless present can be obtained by accomplishing just one thing.
Go out and have some fun!
There are a plethora of ways to get moving with momma bear, and even more reasons why you should.
As people age, bone density and muscular mass and function decrease, according to WebMd.
You know what can halt the deterioration of both?
That’s right, exercise!
As a matter of fact, muscle mass begins its frightening descent some time in your 30s. Yikes!
So, not only will an active outing inspire your mom to move those legs, but it will get you to move what your momma gave you.
Unless you are Jada Pinkett Smith and Willow then you probably don’t want to go full-on training camp for your day out.
No worries! There are other ways to get pumped without even realizing it.
Just pick from our easy list of extravaganzas and you will be on your way to making healthy traditions that will benefit generations.
1. Go away for the weekend
Traveling to a new destination inevitably makes you have to walk around more, and you are going to be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable way to take a stroll.
It doesn’t have to be a lavish getaway, but one that calls for some exploring. A tour of wine country, a yoga retreat, or a mountainside escape are all great options.
Or, you can step it up a notch and try your hand at a whitewater rafting trip, or backpacking through a national park.
Having some one-on-one time with your mom anywhere is fun, but enjoying that time together while experiencing something new is priceless.
2. Go glamping
This word may sound made-up to you- and that’s because it is! “Glamping” is glamour camping; using modern amenities and décor to make your camping experience a little less…”outdoorsy.”
Many of our moms are either not interested in traditional camping, or they just don’t have it in them to be subjected to all that camping entails (think outdoor bathroom breaks).
Glamping is for a girls’ night out, because you can go chic with comfortable bedding, convenient with battery-operated fans, and fancy with bringing takeout to your campsite.
No need to act macho in front of the guys.
You can tell your favorite memories of each other under the stars with no one to laugh at your experimental hair days that your mother reminds you so kindly about; except for you two of course.
3. Head to the garden
Gardening is so therapeutic with the gentle raking, pulling, and digging. No wonder many moms adore it.
It’s so relaxing in fact, that you and your mom won’t even notice you have been moving for four hours while you chat away in your own personal zen garden.
Don’t forget to make it special with some iced teas full of colorful ice cubes and little umbrellas.
And bring a new plant to add to her garden as a keepsake to that special time you gals spent in the backyard paradise.
4. Cook together
This may not seem too spectacular upon initial glance, because many moms cook every day and may want a break from it.
However, you can make it into a fun event by picking a new healthy and elaborate recipe to experience together.
Kicking everybody else out of the house, or at least the kitchen, is a must. An audience would only prove to be a distraction, plus you don’t want to have to share the fruits of your labor.
Discuss the nutritional value of the ingredients you are using to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and inform your mom of her increased needs as she is blessed with more time on this earth.
Try a coconut-based curry, like Minimalist Baker’s, that is packed with vegetables and tasty spices.
Time with our mothers is so precious and limited. Make the most of Mom’s day out with the ultimate gal time, where bonding and healthy living meet.
Anything that gets you two moving together is great. The point here is that more movement equals better quality of life- and a lot more of it!