Time spent with family is one of the pure joys of the holiday season, and time spent playing together is even better! Even moderate activity can help to protect your loved ones from heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. In addition, it can relieve stress and send oxygen to the brain which can help to keep peace at home and improve school performance.

Here are some simple tips on how to give the gift of fitness to your family this year.

1. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. Play chase, walk the dog or go on a neighborhood treasure hunt.
   
2. If the weather outside is frightful, use an indoor facility such as a gym, swimming pool, roller skating rink or rock climbing wall.
   
3. Sign up for a local 5K. The whole family could walk or run it together just for fun.
   
4. Bundle up and take a walk through your neighborhood in the evening and enjoy all the lights.
   
5. Bike to your local grocery store or park.
   
6. Get creative if your family's training goals don’t match up. Maybe your spouse or children could do part of your workout with you. Bring the kids. Head to a local track so that you and your spouse can run on the track while the kids play, or invest in a baby jogger. The kids can tag along on their bikes while you run on a trail or through your neighborhood.
   
7. Keep it simple and fun, and you can give your family a gift that will last a lifetime.

Here is to a happy and healthy holiday season!