Exercising Over The Holiday Season

It's no wonder that people complain about gaining weight over the holiday season. Between holiday parties with lots of rich food and alcohol, and the loss of normal routines caused by travel and family reunions, the exercise schedule seems to just fall apart. But it really doesn't have to be that way.

You can always get some exercise during the holidays! When I first wanted to start running, but couldn't find the time, a runner gave me some great advice. She said, "Get up an hour earlier!" I took her advice and ran for the next 20 years. So, if you're attending lots of parties this season, just remember that you still have to get up in the morning for your workout.

There are many exercises you can do even while travelling. Click here to view my previous blogpost "Exercise While You Travel...Literally." As a preview, when travelling, try walking the airports before flights.

Once you're in your destination city, you can always do some resistance training (wherever you're staying) by using your own body weight. There are so many exercises you can do that don't require any equipment. For example: do some push ups and dips for upper body, squats and walking lunges for lower body and sit ups for abs.

If you're hosting house guests, you can still get a workout in by encouraging them to join you. There's always someone in my family willing to take a walk with me. Now that there are young children in the mix, I know that we'll spend a lot of time in the pool or on the beach playing. You can do the same and have fun too, at least for a little while.

We're having a week-long family reunion over Thanksgiving, when my brother comes from Australia,  We'll be taking lots of walks, swimming and paddle boarding. Since I carry weights and equipment in my car, I'll be lifting in my motel room.

Wishing you all a fit and healthy holiday season!