Working Exercise Into Holiday Frenzy

So, here we are, in the midst of the holiday season.

For most of us, it is difficult enough during the rest of the year to find time for our physical health and fitness. Add the food and frenzy of the holidays and it seems impossible.

Fear not. You can keep your spirits up and your heart rate up, even among the credit cards and wrapping paper. Try these suggestions for feeling truly fit for the fete.

Skip the elevator and take the stairs at work, at the mall and the airport. You’ve heard it before, but have you tried it yet?

Walk to the post office or minimall. Use a good backpack or fanny pack to make sure the extra weight is behind you. If it snows, even better. You’ll get the cardiovascular benefits of walking along with muscular endurance work for legs as you tramp through those piles of snow.

Park two blocks away from your destination. You’ll need to give yourself a little extra time, but the advantages are tremendous. You can reduce your mental stress by avoiding the fight for closer parking spaces and the brisk walk to the stores or parties will refresh and revitalize you.

Add a game or outing to your family’s holiday traditions. Set a time for physical activity in the same way you set a time for dinner. Here are some suggestions to get you started: Cross-country skiing before the big dinner; a family walk (instead of drive) through the neighborhood to see the holiday lights; ice skating; touch football - the adults vs. the kids; or rent in-line skates.

Shovel your neighbor’s walk, too. It will boost your fitness activity for the day and spread a little good cheer.

Get off the couch during commercials to do some group sit-ups or take a walk during halftime. So you want to watch the big game on New Year’s Day? OK, but you have probably seen enough marching bands and poor renditions of the National Anthem to get you through 1996. Get some fresh air and give your legs a little extra blood flow.

Drink water. Between the cold air and salty holiday foods, you need to rehydrate your body. Try to get six to eight 8 ounce glasses a day.

Build a snowman with your kids. It’s harder than it looks. If you don’t have kids, borrow your neighbor’s or make a Frosty with friends.

If weather permits, take out the bikes or in-line skates - or just jump rope.

If there’s snow, grab the sleds and find a hill. The trip down may be fun, but without the help of a ski lift, the uphill hike is an excellent lower body strengthening workout.

A few trips to the gym won’t hurt, either. But if you just can’t fit it in, these tips will help.

Hope your holidays are filled with great friends and lots of physical activity.

Cheers!

xxxx