The Healthy Bride

Here we are again, ready to begin another holiday season. The holiday season is a marathon of activity, and maintaining your exercise habits can prove difficult.

 

Outside commitments at this time of year often interfere with scheduling workouts. Missing workouts can be discouraging and you might even feel like you are failing in your effort to become fit and healthy. Some people give up and stop exercising entirely. Don’t do it!  There IS a solution. Here are some suggestions to help you maintain your sanity and your exercise program during this hectic time of year.

 

At Home

1.      It’s convenient, comfortable and safe to work out at home. It allows your children to see you being active, which sets a good example for them. You can combine exercise with other activities, such as watching TV.  If you buy exercise equipment, it’s a one-time expense and other family members can use it.  There are many trainers who will come to your home too.

2.    Do housework yourself instead of hiring someone else to do it.    

3.    Work in the garden or mow the grass.  Using a riding mower doesn’t count!  Rake leaves, prune, dig, trim.    

4.    Go out for a short walk before breakfast, after dinner or both!  Start with 5-10 minutes and work up to 30 minutes.    

5.      Walk or bike to the corner store instead of driving.    

6.     When walking, pick up the pace from leisurely to brisk.  Choose a hilly route or put on a backpack with some weight.    

7.      Stand up while talking on the telephone.    

8.      Walk the dog – several times per day adds up.

9.      Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance. 

10.  Stretch to reach items in high places and squat or bend to look at items at floor level.    

11. Keep exercise equipment repaired and in a handy place and use it!

 

At the Office

12. Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk.    

13. Stand while talking on the telephone. You can do squats and leg lifts to add intensity. 

14. Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone.    

15. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.    

16. Walk while waiting for the plane at the airport.    

17. Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools and use them while on business trips.    

18. Take along a jump rope and an exercise band in your suitcase when you travel.  Jump rope and do strength work in your hotel room.    

19. Join a sports team at your workplace.    

20. Enter a race and get sponsored, doing something good for charity.    

21. Join a fitness center near your job.  Work out before or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a noon workout.    

22. Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as any other important appointment.

23. Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home.    

24. Walk around your building for a break during the work day or during lunch.

 

Other ideas: 

• Work out with a friend. Many people find that scheduling workouts with a friend increases their commitment to exercise. Having someone depend on you is a strong motivator for staying on track.   
• Join a class or program. The structure of attending a class at a set time helps you to set aside time for your exercise program. Group exercise programs are great for setting a schedule and holding you accountable for being there.   
• Finally, take some time for yourself.  Plan time to relax and enjoy the season. Rest in the sauna or hot-tub or schedule a massage or facial for yourself. The down time will help you get through the mad rush of shoppers and endless parties.

Most of all, make time for yourself and your health and enjoy the season.

 

 

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 20th, 2008 at 9:45 pm and is filed under Articles about health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.