Here is by request, a few ways to stay active during the holidays!
I know ladies will love this and guys might hate me, but tip number one is...Shop! Shopping is a great way for us to get out and walking around, but there are a few minor steps you can take to help yourself out! Take short breaks from time to time to give your back and feet a rest. You can walk for hours on end and this can be damaging to your body! Just like you would in the gym, make sure you get your rest! Extra tips: Try wearing cushioned sneakers instead of fancy shoes, and make sure you eat! A lot of people while shopping forget to eat. Eat clean so you can keep your metabolism up and your body happy!
Shop for your tree! This is one I always enjoy both for the physical activity and the pure enjoyment. By searching for a christmas tree at a christmas tree farm, you allow yourself to essentially go for a hike in the snow while searching! This can be a real calorie burner especially with the rise in your body's core temperature. If this is to tough, simply try to shop around for your tree at local stops. Not only will you get the perfect tree, but it can keep you out and moving!
Play in the snow! Things like sledding and pond hockey are incredible workouts that often last for hours without the feeling of fatigue (tired). This lack of fatigue is often due to the rise in endorphins and adrenaline (similarly to the reason why people don't feel pain while they are aggressive). If I asked you to walk up a snow covered hill 25 times without a sled you would tell me to go sit on a christmas star, but put a sled in your hands and you will do it all on your own!
Put up holiday decorations! Just putting up decorations can be time consuming, but the length of time you will spend being active will easily outweigh your frustrations. Get outside and set some up for you and your neighbourhood. The more people that set up decorations the more the next tip will help!
Go see the neighbourhood lights! This is one that I use to do with my family when we were young. Not only will this put you in the holiday spirit, but it will help you get outside and walking. I know the sidewalks aren't as clean as they are in the summer, but the extra difficulty will actually help you get more out of it!
Go for outdoor walks! This ties in with the above idea and can be done anytime. Don't stop walking because there is snow on the ground. Bundle up and get moving!
Play! Just get outside and play! A snowball fight, a snow fort, or building a snowman will help keep you outside and having fun!
Shovel driveways! This is an easy way to not only help out neighbours (maybe even for some money) but to get a sweat on! Make sure you lift safety and don't use your back!
Lastly, use your stress in good ways. This can be a stressful time of year and the gym is the perfect way to release this stress! Make room for physical activity and the stress relief alone will be worth it!
You can be strict during the holidays I promise. I spent last years christmas in Cuba so I had to be strict in december. I did it so I know you can too!
It doesn't have to be difficult, to be healthy!
Christmas Eve 2011, Stay Strict and Happy Holidays!
Cheers
Ryan Trueman
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