Being a member of the Columbus Zoo is one of the best activity and savings choices I’ve made with my children. Visiting the animals never gets old, and with Jungle Jack’s Landing and the globe of squirty water, it is difficult to get my children to leave. And this year, there is something special for mom and dad…besides the awesomely crazy Bonobos. The Columbus Zoo has partnered with OhioHealth to look out for your health. You, my dear readers, can get a workout at the zoo while having fun with the kiddies by participating in HOOFit.
HOOFit is a walking program designed to help people get in their 10,000 steps a day for good health. There are a couple of ways you can participate in the program. One way is to pick up an informational card from the zoo’s guest services desk that lists routes that help you earn steps. It is broken out into small (children), medium (bigger kids), and large (adults). You’ll notice that little kids are making quite a few extra steps than their medium and large counterparts, so don’t go too quickly and be sure to stop and give their little legs a break. Keep the card in your bag and pull it out the next time a zoo visit is in order. Here’s the link for a route preview: http://www.ohiohealth.com/hoofit.
The other way is to attend one of the HOOFit events where an OhioHealth doctor will be available to talk health and answer questions for FREE (well, the cost of zoo admission). For example, June 21 from 9:30a – 10:30a there will be a sports medicine doctor leading the HOOFit pack. This is your chance to ask questions – like, how running can help you lose weight, how often should you incorporate weights into your workout, or get the lowdown on why it is important to have good running shoes. The best part is that your kids can come along. The route you’ll walk with the good doc allows you to view lots of animals. My kids enjoyed walking with the pack.
I attended the kick-off event and it was informational and fun. I learned from an OhioHealth doctor that to maintain my current weight and health I need to workout 30 minutes a day along with a healthy diet. The best news – mom who can’t even get two minutes alone to brush your own teeth – that 30 minutes can be broken up. Bad news, you must work out one hour a day to lose weight and eat a very healthy diet (boo. I like chocolate and extra helpings). But, the HOOFit program is an hour, so there you go. For additional HOOFit dates/times and the type of doctor walking with you, go here: HOOFit.
Go HOOFit at the Columbus Zoo!
- Be a good role model for your child and explain the importance of being active.
- Wear sunscreen, bring water, and snack/lunch.
- Buy a membership to the Columbus Zoo if you plan on going more than twice a year – so totally worth it! It includes parking!
- Get some FREE medical advice from OhioHealth (they are pretty awesome for offering this program, no?).
Thank you to OhioHealth and the Columbus Zoo for an awesome day that included admission, parking, a t-shirt, pedometer, snacks, and a visit with the most awesome penguins ever. My kids are still talking about Trout.
Cool idea!