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 Fitness Q&A: Holiday Fit Tips
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Q: I am getting a bit nervous about keeping up with my exercise routine during the busy holiday season. With all the traveling, in-laws visiting and parties, how can I work exercise into my schedule?
A: When it comes to the holiday season, people think they have to give up their exercise regime and re-start it in January. However, there are many ways to work up a sweat and keep the belt notch where it is, if not one less come January. To be thinking about it is already a big step, since you are aware of the potential time-zapping challenges you'll face. By following these tips during the holiday season, you’ll be strong and have energy to deal with the unexpected visits, the parties and the shopping -- and maybe even have a few minutes to yourself.
1. When doing your holiday shopping, work up a sweat! According to the American Heart Association, you need 10,000 steps a day. Why not make all of those steps count at the mall?
- Try to park far from the mall’s entrance when possible, even in the rain. Park on the opposite side of the mall from where you will be shopping, and speed walk your way to the store.
- Use the stairs! It is so easy to want to hop on an escalator, but use the stairs. If you have a munchkin in a stroller, yes, use the elevator, but then take an extra lap around the mall.
- Wear a pedometer. If you’ve completed most of your shopping, window shop at a speedy pace until you reach your "magic number.”
2. Take a family bike ride (or snow romp) through your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights.
- Why not make it a family tradition to go on a bike ride or walk twice a week during the holiday season? Do it when everyone is home from school and work, just before dinner time. You can make a game of whose house you like best, and who has the most phenomenal decorations. It will provide great dinner conversation, and a special way to have family time.
- For safety when biking, make sure to have everyone wear reflective clothing, helmets and bike lights.
3. Why not have caroling parties?
- Caroling is a tradition that should have a re-growth due to the health benefits. Gather up a group and take your “caroling” to the hillier neighborhoods. Create games to see who will get to ring the doorbell first -- it will keep people on their feet and the pace fast.
- Turn your caroling party into a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for everyone to gather: One candy cane, one Christmas card from last year, one jingle bell, etc. You’ll be surprised at how much of a workout it is when competition is involved!
4. When wrapping your gifts, take a break in between wrapping each gift to do exercises.
- This sounds time-consuming, but it will make your gift wrapping much more fun and energizing. In between each gift you wrap, do a set of 12-15 repetitions of squats, push-ups, lunges or dips, or hold the plank for one minute.
- Put on your favorite holiday flick, and by the end of the movie, you will have completed a strength work as well as wrapped your gifts.
5. Squeeze in 20-30 minutes to go for a run or walk by yourself. When it seems as if you are rushing from one appointment to the next, and you don’t have time for yourself, it is imperative to set aside a little "me time." As challenging as it may seem, if you can wake up 30 minutes earlier, run on your lunch break or bike after work, you will feel much better. To have that time to clear your head and rev up your endorphins is priceless. Carve it out of your schedule three times per week and you will truly make it through the holiday season with ease!
Use these tips and have fun. The holidays are about the memories you share, and this year they can be memories of exercising through the season.
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