Holiday Exercising

This is a wonderful time of year, filled with family, friends, traditions and goodies.  Maintaining your exercise program is probably the last thing on your mind.  How many times have you excused yourself from your routine by saying something like:   “I’m too busy right now.  I’ll start again when ________ (fill in the blank) is over”.   That might seem to make sense, but at this time of year, perhaps even more than usual, you need to maximize your energy levels and minimize stress.  Every time you are tempted to blow off your exercise routine, remind yourself that it is equally as important as everything else on your agenda.  It’s not selfish – it’s necessary!  This is not just about your fitness level; it's about your sanity.  Here are some tips to help you fit in exercise now:

• Keep moving!  Forget the “rules” – there is no right, wrong or best way.  Just do whatever you can to squeeze in some activity.  Park your car at the farthest end of the parking lot and walk into the store.  Bring your carriage back into the store instead of depositing it in the carriage corral in the parking lot.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.   You’ve heard all these ideas before, but they are always worth repeating. 

• Shorten your routine.  Give yourself permission not to work so hard.  If you usually take a class, but don’t have time for the whole thing go anyway and just stay as long as you can.  Even a 15-minute effort is better than no effort at all.  You’ll feel better afterwards. 

• Make it a family affair.  When gathering with friends and family encourage them to participate in activities.  Take a walk to look at holiday decorations.  Build a snowman.  Take the kids sledding.  Walk the dog.  Clear away the last of the snow.   You get the idea - there's always something you can do.

• Use the buddy system.  There is nothing more motivating than a workout partner.  Knowing someone else is counting on you is far more likely to get you going that just doing it by yourself.  Make a plan with a friend and stick to it.  Remind yourself that it is as important for them as it is for you.  It is better to shorten your routine (see above) than not to show up at all.  

• Don’t let travelling get you down.  If you are stuck during an airport layover, take a walk around the airport.  On my last trip through the Minneapolis airport I discovered a fabulous art exhibit which I never would have seen if I had not taken a walk around the airport.  If the airport is small, walk around outside.  If you are staying away from home, ask your host to help you find a gym or a park or a fitness center nearby.  Invite them to come with you.  Or maybe you (and they!) might welcome a brief break.  

• Be prepared.  A little preparation can go a long way.  Exercise bands are a great tool.  They are inexpensive, lightweight, easily packable and provide lots of stretching and strength training exercises that are easy to do wherever you are.  If you have access to a computer, there are a myriad of tips and tricks available.  Also great videos on You-Tube and other web sites to help guide you.

There are so many goodies to enjoy and holidays are exactly the types of special occasions that these treats are meant for.  So go ahead and sample the ones you like best.  If you can maintain some level of activity you won’t have to feel guilty or deny yourself.  And then when the holidays are over, it will be that much easier to slip back into your regular routine. 

Happy Holidays to all.  Enjoy!