Holiday Exercise Tips
When you add holidays to the mix of our busy lives, many of us find exercise moving to the bottom of our lengthy to-do lists. However, staying active will give you energy, lessen the holiday stress, and mitigate some of the extra calories you may be eating. Here are some tips to help you stay active during this time of year.
1. Don't set unrealistic exercise goals. Aim to exercise 20-30 minutes instead of your normal hour and you are more likely to achieve your goal.
2. Plan ahead, especially when you are traveling. For example, plan a 10 minute routine you can do in your bedroom, such as squats, lunges, pushups, crunches, etc.
3. Bring workout bands with you when traveling. They are easy to pack and can be used for quick strength building exercises when you have a few minutes.
4. Use every opportunity to build small chunks of exercise into your day:
a.Walk as much as possible. Take extra laps at the mall, walk up and down the stairs, or take the dog for a walk.
b.Help with the housework, rake the leaves, or shovel the snow.
c. Take the kids outside to build a snow man, make snow angels, or engage in other fun activities.
d. Get up and walk during every football timeout or commercial.
5. Laugh. It's a great tension reliever, it burns calories, reduces stress, and means that you are enjoying yourself and your company.
The most important thing is to be realistic about your exercise. You are not always in control of your schedule during the holidays so you can only do your best. Remind yourself that you can get back to your normal routine as soon as the holidays are over.
Happy Holidays!
Rod Sears
