Staying Fit Through the Holidays

By Donna Stark

The holiday season is by far the busiest season of all. From decorating the house to cooking special treats to singing carols in your neighborhood to buying gifts for an infinite number of people, it's easy to see how your precious time can slip away. It's also easy to see why exercise is pushed to the side. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can stay healthy and moving during the most wonderful time of the year. Take a look.

Plan Ahead

Having a general idea of how much exercise you want to engage in each day is the easiest way to maintain your health and fitness. Creating a fitness agenda, which includes the exercises you want to do and the length of time it will take to complete your workout, can help you look forward to staying on track with your fitness goals. 

Seize Every Opportunity

If you want to be as active as you can, you have to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Maybe this means you will help your neighbor with the shoveling or will take your child up on their request for a trip to the park. It could also involve choosing to take the stairs instead of using the elevator or if the weather permits, walking to your favorite store instead of driving. 

Check Out Local Trails

No matter where you are staying for the holidays, take the time to check out the local trails and parks. If the weather allows, hiking with friends or family can help you stay moving! But if you don't like hiking, no worries! Just take the time for a walk in the mornings, during everyone's afternoon nap, or after dinner. By doing so, you will be able to reap many different health benefits. 

Indoor Workouts

Depending on the weather, outdoor workouts may not be a viable option, so you may need to move your workouts indoors. Exercising inside will give you the freedom to work out for as little or as long as you'd like. The ability to put together a quick 30-minute workout before the day starts or to end the night with some quiet stretches will help keep you active, without making you miss anytime with your loved ones. 

Staying Fit Through the Holidays

Achieving your fitness goals is a difficult challenge as it is, but keeping up with them during the holidays can be even harder. By using these easy tips you can stay active and continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle during this special time of the year.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.