Stay Active During the Holidays - 3 tips

The holiday countdown has begun. With less than 1 month until Thanksgiving and less than 2 months until Christmas, we are already beginning to plan out our holiday travel and family commitments. Often lost in the maze of planes, trains and automobiles (and feasts, gifts and holiday cheer), is physical activity. We tend to over-everything during this time of the year and then vow to begin anew in January. It’s a vicious cycle for many every year. So this year, vow to be different; be better. Whether on the road or at home, stay active during the holidays with these 3 tips.

1. Be active together
Going for a walk with your loved ones, especially after a meal, can help with the post-feast fatigue we all feel after eating more than we should. You could also choose to play a sport instead of/in addition to watching them on TV. Get out and throw a ball around or play a game of touch football. If you’re fortunate enough to be travelling to warmer areas, try renting bikes and exploring the area. Exercising together fosters social interaction and camaraderie, and shows little ones positive, healthy holiday behaviors.

2. Use what you’ve got
Technology today has given us knowledge (and workouts!) at our fingertips. Remember our 12 Days of Fitness Holiday Workout? If you're visiting a gym (see below), bring along the Full Body Strength Training Workout. Or, are you going somewhere tropical for the holidays? How about the Water Fitness Fun workout? Need something quick and to the point? Check out the RFC's November Workout of the Month. Do a quick search on the inter webs and you'll be sure to find a workout or a workout app that requires just the equipment you have available. Greatist.com's list of The 49 Best Health and Fitness Apps of 2015 is a great place to start for those apps. So move the coffee table and get a great workout in the comfort of your own home (or hotel room)! Bonus – remember things like jump ropes and exercise tubing (sold at the RFC in the G office) make great travel companions and can provide a highly effective workout.

3. Branch Out
For those that prefer exercising in a group, instructor-led setting, try taking a class at a local gym or studio. Many fitness clubs offer a free trial class or allow drop-ins for a minimal fee (usually no more than $15). Try a dance conditioning class, boxing class or even yoga. Trying new forms of exercise is great for a variety of reasons and can be a welcome change if you’re used to doing the same old thing all the time. Before you travel this season, search online for exercise facilities in the area and see what you can find!

Enjoy your family time as well as your workouts this holiday season. How do you plan to stay active during the holidays this year?