All year we work hard to maintain our fitness routine, even waking up super early or taking a precious hour out of our hectic schedules, but it’s often the first thing to go during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Staying active is key to sleeping more soundly, handling stress better, keeping weight off, suppressing appetite, and managing moods, all things we need the most over the holidays. As the second part of Epic Self’s holiday survival guide, here are some fun ways to stay on track and still have the time (and energy!) for all that shopping.
1. Change Your Definition: If your typical workout routine is an hour at the gym three times a week, or walking to a yoga class every other day and think that’s all that counts as exercise, you’re missing out! Several holiday activities are major calorie burners and those absolutely count. Carrying several shopping bags and walking all over town is a workout all in its self! And shopping is just the beginning… between all the wrapping, chopping, mixing, lifting, and decorating it’s hard not to break a sweat. Also try to incorporate exercise with your holiday to-do list, like riding your bike to pick up some items at the grocery store.
2. Consider Shorter Workouts: A lot of us feel that if we can’t squeeze in an hour workout than we might as well forgo it all together. Smaller amounts of time might feel like a waste of time, but they definitely add up. If you can’t find an hour to hit the gym, try running with the dog for 15-20 minutes in the morning, do some lunges in the kitchen and have a snowball fight! You could also try wearing a pedometer throughout the day so you can track how many calories your burning with all the festivities.
3. Have A Blast: There is no reason to run to the gym, lift weights and hit the miserable Stairmaster when all you want is to be with your family and friends. Get creative and cook up some fun ways to break a sweat with those you love. You could organize a scavenger hunt, go for a hike, or get the whole gang to walk to look at holiday lights.
4. Try Something New: To stay motivated treat yourself to a fun new class or type of exercise. Slip on those heels and head to that salsa class you’ve been dying to try, or jump into that Bikram yoga class to sweat out any toxins. Go indoor rock climbing with a friend or learn to snowboard.
5. Make It Matter: Look at exercise as a way to take a break from the holiday chaos instead of adding to your stress levels. Taking time out for a mindful workout is a great way to de-stress and clear you head. Meaningful walks with your mom or yoga class with a dear friend are a perfect way to connect and still stay active.
6. Set Goals: Plan ahead for the season. Set goals and pinpoint what usually gets in the way of exercise. During this time of year don’t be too hard on yourself, and stay flexible. Set reasonable goals that you are actually able to fit in and feel good about. If your normal regiment is 1 hour, five days a week, reduce it to 1 hour, 3 days a week. Sanity is important! Especially when you’ve got the in-laws to deal with.
7. Reap The Benefits: Energy begets energy and the only way to stay up all night joking and laughing with your loved ones is to keep it up. I don’t think anyone has ever regretted going to the gym or breaking a sweat. Exercising feels good and gives you much needed energy for this fun and crazy time of year.
Suddenly the dreaded holiday weight gain is no longer that menacing.
Suddenly the dreaded holiday weight gain is no longer that menacing.
These 7 Stay Active Solutions mixed with Part 1: 7 Tips For Mindful Eating, complete my holiday survival guide and hopefully will make this season one to remember! Happy Holidays!
