It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week they have picked “5 Ways to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season.” Because I did not read ahead (duh), I wrote that one last week! Read it HERE. So here is “5 Ways to Stay Fit This Holiday Season.” Excuse a bit of overlap, please!
1. Remember it is not “all or nothing.” It is so easy to sleep in when you have extra evening events. If you wake up with only 15 or 20 minutes to spare, don’t just skip exercise for the day. Go for a quick walk, do some sit ups and push ups or do a brief yoga video. If you have been around here a while, you know that I LOVE the J&J Official 7 Minute Workout app on my phone. It is an all body weight/household object (think chair) workout. They have the traditional 7 minute workout and a ton of other options from 8 – 24 minutes. No excuses! You can find 7 minutes!
2. Plan ahead. If you are traveling, check out local running groups/routes or fitness classes or check to see if there is a gym available. If not, see if you can go for a brisk walk or use workout apps or videos. (See #1) I like to even see if there are local races that I can run and enlist family friends to run or walk or cheer for me. It gets everyone out in the fresh air. We visit my in-laws every Christmas and now their friends know to include us on hikes or bike rides/runs. Also, ask for awesome fitness gear for presents so you will be tempted to use them right away.
3. Exercise in the morning or with friends… or both. If possible, exercise in the morning. Most parties don’t happen before 8 AM – just saying. Have trouble getting up in the morning? Get some friends to join you. It is much easier to meet morning exercise commitments if there is someone waiting for you out in the cold! Or, skip a happy hour and try a new fitness studio with some friends. Burn calories and spend time with friends. It’s a win-win!
4. Sign up for an event or fitness challenge. The last two years I signed up for winter marathons and this year is no different. I signed up for the LA Marathon on Valentine’s Day. Training starts Monday. Last winter, I also did a few holiday fitness challenges with Sweat Pink/Run to the Finish and Coach Jenny. I am planning to do the same this year. I need to get motivated with specific goals and challenges- do you?
5. Plan active, non-food centered activities with your friends and family. Get the family to participate in a Turkey Trot or a walking tour. Go caroling, serve a meal to people in need, see a movie, watch a play, get outside and play flag football. You get the picture? Food and drinking is rampant over the holidays, so it is nice to plan to non-food alternatives. If there is a Turkey Trot or Santa Hustle in your town see if you can get folks to walk, run or spectate with you. Make your activity a family tradition – it’s never too late to start.
And if you are traveling during the holidays, don’t miss 10 Ways to Stay Health (and Sane) When You Travel.
What are your tips for staying fit over the holidays?
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!