Stay Active!

Why does everyone stop their workout program over the holidays? It’s astounding to me how many times I hear that clients take a vacation or a holiday from work as an opportunity to stop taking care of themselves when it should be the opposite. You have just given yourself some time TO workout and get in some extra activity! 

The new year is just around the corner and it’s my favorite time of the year because everyone is looking to start anew! Start eating healthy, start working out, cut back on alcohol and clean up their lifestyle. I am fascinated by this. Why not get a jump on the New Year’s resolution while you are off work? Figure out what you like to do for physical activity. That’s the key, you know! The perfect workout for you is the one you LOVE! That’s the only way you will stick to it. If you hate lifting weights, if you loath yoga, if you won’t be caught running unless being chased by a cougar, then DON’T DO IT!! On the other hand, if you love playing volleyball, get involved in a recreational league. If you love being in water, find a pool to visit a few days a week. If you want to work out in a group setting or on your own, use the holidays to figure that out!! Then when January rolls around you are ready and can really get moving.

Another important reason to stay active over the holidays is that it’s mentally MUCH harder to justify that second piece of cheese cake when you realize it just took you 30 minutes to burn 200 calories! I know that when I’m working out regularly I find myself hungrier, but I am more likely to go for a healthier option as I don’t want to have to work twice as hard tomorrow to work to burn off the excess. 

Getting some regular physical activity also helps you work off the stress of the season. I would much rather you work up a sweat than hear about you eating yourselves through the holiday stress. This can mean getting out for a walk, going to a yoga class, (kick boxing works too!!) or spending some time outdoors with the family. An early Christmas present for yourselves might be a fitness tracker. I’m not a HUGE fan of counting every calorie but a tracker can keep you AWARE and keep you ACCOUNTABLE. 

What is your favorite way to stay active while you are on holidays? Do you have a regular routine that you plan to keep up over the break? I will be working out and hopefully will get out to the ski hill and cross country skiing a few times. I would LOVE to know if you were planning to take a break over the holidays and start up again in the New Year and if this post has made you think twice about that! Thank you for reading Day Eight of the Holiday Health Challenge! I am working hard to keep these tips and tricks coming your way, so I hope you are enjoying them!! Happy Friday! See you tomorrow!