“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” may not be the first thing to run through your mind as you look at your calendar and see that every day there is a holiday party, school event or work function scheduled. On top of it, you have to do extra things like volunteer, take care of the kids out of school for winter break, shop for presents and a plethora of other things. It may seem there is no time left for your exercise. Following are a few tips to help you stay on schedule and maintain your healthy lifestyle during this crazy time.
First of all, do not stress out! Not making it to the gym is not a big deal – just do not make it a habit. If you realize at the end of the day you were supposed to go to the gym at some point and now it is too late, do some home exercises. Here are some sample workouts:
- 1. 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups and 10 bodyweight squats – repeat 10 times.
- 2. 20 lunges with a 1 minute ab bridge – repeat 3 times.
- 3. 1 mile run with 10 bodyweight squats every minute.
- 4. 250 jumping jacks – get your best time possible
- 5. Test yourself on max push-ups, sit-ups or squats.
Second, most of us will be seeing friends and family or even co-workers which makes cutting short these special times together to run to the gym or do some of the exercises mentioned above not feasible. Why not include them in the fun!? Take a brisk walk outside and spend time together or make a game up using some of the bodyweight exercises.
Finally, this time of year is about giving, and after you have given all your time and energy to that busy schedule and everyone else, think about giving some time to yourself. Take a minute to unwind. Being healthy is not just about exercising and eating well, it also includes having a healthy mind – it is a true full-body state of being.
*This post was authored by Christopher Downey