It may be the happiest time of the year, but the holiday season is also one of the busiest. With a Christmas shopping list a mile long, not to mention menu planning, party hopping, and gift wrapping, it’s easy to skip regular exercise sessions.
Ironically, finding time to squeeze in a workout can actually help you better cope with the stress of the season. The key is time management and making fitness a priority.
Here are some tips to help you stay fit during the holiday madness:
Make It a Family Affair. Most kids begin winter recess by mid-December. Get your children involved in your fitness routine by playing games outdoors. Have a snowball fight or go cross-country skiing, ice skating or snowshoeing. You could also head to the gym and get in a game of basketball or tennis.
Make an Appointment. Make fitness a priority by scheduling your daily workout the same way you would a business meeting. When you plan out your week, be sure to pencil in when and how you’ll exercise.
Mix It Up. Keep in mind that you don’t have to complete the same routine every day. All physical activity adds up no matter what you do. Meaning, on days when you can’t make it to the gym or out for a jog, try to fit in small amounts of activity. For example, park in the stall farthest from the mall so you have to walk a bit before you enter the building. Also, consider carrying your packages instead of using a cart. Other tips: Shovel the snow, or better yet, offer to clear your neighbor’s driveway as well. Or, do some abdominal crunches or leg lunges in between phone calls.
Remember: Slacking off during this season of gluttony and merriment will only mean that you will have to work that much harder to shed unwanted pounds once the New Year arrives.
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