Holiday Fitness Tips
Well, it that time of the year again. Time to "eat, drink, and be merry"as the saying goes. The average person does a little too much celebrating this time of year. Some of us will gain between 5 and 10 pounds as a result of indulging in extra helpings and holiday treats. Because of the time crunch that always seems to happen at this time of year, we also find ourselves exercising less. But, complete deprivation of the things that make the holiday season special is not the answer either - it's about balance. Perhaps these tips will help you keep on track or give you some incentive to make a few early New Years resolutions.
- There will be plenty of other opportunities to indulge in the sweets;
try to balance them by snacking on fruits and vegetables whenever
possible.
- Limit alcohol consumption as it it loaded with calories. Perhaps
alternate drinks with water or juice while at parties or other social
functions.
- Get outdoors! Bundle up and take a walk around the block with your
spouse or a friend - walk the dog - any type of activity will help.
- Try to eat nutritious meals between those social functions that
are undoubtedly going to have rich and tasty foods on the menu. Try
to eat smaller portions to avoid overindulgence.
- If you don't already exercise, perhaps look into joining a gym or
fitness center. Make sure they offer a balance of weight training
and cardiovascular equipment. Consult with a personal trainer to help
explain the proper stretching, exercise routines, and nutrition. A
good trainer can set up a meal plan to help you through this process.
- If you do work out, or are planning to start, accept the fact that
you may miss some scheduled work out sessions during the holidays.
Try to plan for these in advance and reschedule workouts at an alternate
time or day.
- Enlist a friend or a trainer to help keep you on track with healthy
habits. Choose someone that can not only encourage and motivate you,
but can provide a good example as well.
- Finally, remember BALANCE... enjoy this wonderful time of year, just don't overindulge to the point that your fitness health suffers. If you slip, don't be so hard on yourself - have fun! Perhaps you can add fitness training and exercise to your New Year's resolution to help get you back on track.
