Fitting in Exercise over the Holidays

Who has time to exercise over the holidays? You do, and here is how. With holiday parties, travel and shopping, your free time is at an all time low. You need to get in the mind set that some kind of exercise is better than nothing. Break up your routines: You still have 4 aunts, 2 uncles and your hairdresser to shop for, what to do? When it comes to lifting weights, a few shorter workouts can be just as effective as a long workout. Split your normal routine into 2 or 3 smaller ones. Do something active each day: Make it a goal to do something active each day in December. Don't feel guilty because you can't exercise as much as you did in September. Find an activity...walking, shopping, shoveling snow and get it done! Exercise in the AM if possible: Wake up an hour early for just one week to get in your exercise, and then decide if it was worth it. Exercising in the AM is a tough transition, but many people find that once they start exercising early, they never stop. For me, if it doesn't get done first thing in the morning chances are it is not going to happen. You have to push yourself during the holidays to get the results you want. Use your lunch break for more than eating: Don't spend a whole hour in the break room watching TV. Instead go for a short walk, even it its for 10 minutes. A little is better than nothing. If you work in Lake County I can teach strength training classes at your work facility during lunch. Email me if you are interested. Increase the intensity: Shorten your workout, but make it more intense. Lift heavier weights and increase the speed and/or incline on the treadmill. This will stimulate muscle growth and fat burning! Set Realistic goals for December: Your exercise goal for December should be just to stay active so you don't pile on the pounds before the New year. Be realistic, and you will be successful! How are you squeezing exercise into December? Merry Fitness!

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