While laying around watching Christmas movies all day may sound like fun, after a few days it starts to get a little boring. Don’t get lazy with time off, spend it being productive and having fun. The holidays bring people closer together, and what better way to do it than while exercising and having fun with the people you love? Here are some ideas to do over winter break to help stay in shape: 

1. Ice Skating 
   Ice skating is a great way to get active over break. It’s a chance to socialize with friends, hang out with family, and get some cardio work done. It will build leg muscles and improve balance without even noticing. There are many outdoor rinks in the greater Washington dc area that make the event that much more memorable. Reston Town Center, The Sculpture Garden, and the Washington Harbor in Georgetown are just some of them. Perfect for a white Christmas.
   
2. Run a race Running is a great way to get up and get moving over this break.  It doesn’t require much, and doesn’t have to be competitive. Just walking around requires physical energy. Going to a festive race is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit as well. Dressing up as a reindeer or Santa is even an option. The Potomac Valley Track club will host a Christmas Caper 5k/10k race Saturday, December 17 at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington D.C. Registration can be done online at www.pvtc.org.
3. Skiing/snowboarding Skiing is another great way to burn off calories without really noticing it. Getting lost in the white powder and the silence of the gorgeous mountains, there is no better feeling in the world. Resorts like Liberty, Round Top, and White Tail are little over an hour away, and are perfect for a weekend getaway with the family. There’s nothing like coming back from the slopes to a burning fire and a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Make some memories this holiday season, after all, it only comes once a year. “If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”