Friday Five: 5 Ways to Stay Fit This Holiday Season

It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0. Last week, I missed “5 Ways to Stay Fit This Holiday Season” so I’m going with that this week.

stay fit Friday 5
Can you tell which Santa is me? Santa Hustle 2011 (Also my 40th b-day)

1. Remember it’s not “all or nothing.” It’s 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’ve been around here a while, you know that I LOVE the J&J Official 7 Minute Workout app. It’s 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’re traveling, check out local running groups/routes or fitness classes or check to see if there’s a gym available. If not, plan for a run, walk or to use workout apps or videos. (See #1) I like to check if there are local races that I can run and enlist family friends to run, walk or cheer. 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’s much easier to meet morning exercise commitments if there’s someone waiting for you out in the cold! Or, skip a happy hour and try a new fitness studio with some friends instead. You can burn calories and spend time with friends. It’s a win-win!

4. Sign up for an event or fitness challenge. Some years, I plan for a winter marathon. This year, I’m planning to run the NYC Half in March and I know I need to build strength and do more cross training. I also like to sign up for holiday fitness challenges like Coach Jenny’s Holiday Challenge. It’s a 9 week challenge with motivation, support and the chance to win fun prizes for only $15. 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 drink are rampant over the holidays, so it’s 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!