Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Finding time for a brisk walk

The holiday season is upon us, the busiest month of the year.  “No time to exercise”, takes on a truer meaning in December!  For some, getting to the gym is always a challenge, but this month it’s even more so.  With presents to buy and wrap, out-of-town guests descending on us, traveling plans, decorating the house and food preparation, we have little time for much else. 

If you want to stay on target with your exercise program some discipline is order.  Here are some tips to to help you get to the gym and burn extra calories throughout the day:

• Make a List and Check it Twice:  Before you retire at night, write down what you want to accomplish the following day.  Include gym time in the list and plan around it. 
• Sugar Plums Dancing in Your Head:  Think of all the sweets and treats you’ll want to indulge in during the holidays and how you can avoid weight gain through exercise.
• Rocking Around the Christmas Tree:  Move around during the holidays.  Instead of vying for the closest parking spot, drive to the back of the lot, park and WALK!
• I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus:  Avoid staying up late.  Get to bed early and rise an hour earlier than usual.  Use the extra time to squeeze in a workout.  Your energy is highest in the morning after a restful sleep.
• All I Want for Christmas is You:  Your family and friends want you to be healthy, first and foremost.  Exercise has been proven to boost your immune system. 
• Dashing Through the Snow:  Running around adds stress into our lives.  Whether you take a yoga, spin or resistance training class you will release the negative energy that builds up from tension.
• Blue Christmas:  Even though it’s touted as the happiest time of year, this is not necessarily true.  Loneliness and disappointments seem magnified when expectations run high.  The endorphins produced by exercise helps to lift your spirits.
• Winter Wonderland:  Take a brisk walk instead of driving around your neighborhood to admire the sights and sounds of the season.
• Naughty and Nice:  It’s important to think of yourself as “nice” even if you miss your workout.  Placing guilt on yourself only adds to anxiety. Instead, make a promise to yourself to get back on track the following day or when January comes around.

Yours in Health,

June