Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN
No motivation. The holidays are busy, and winter brings fewer daylight hours and colder temperatures. Here are a few options for rekindling your interest in exercise:
- Mix up your routine; if you usually run, try weightlifting or taking a dance class.
- Find a new winter sport that interests you and take a class or join a club.
- If using gym equipment at home, put a TV in front of the treadmill.
- Phone a friend—sometimes a little company is all you need to get moving.
- If you have children, take them sledding or help them build a snow fort; wearing extra clothes and trudging through snow burns more calories than you might think!
Limited time. If you’re busy with holiday preparation and parties, sometimes you need a quick, unscheduled workout idea. Here are a few options:
- Jump rope—this activity is not just for kids, as jumping rope can be a great way to get your heart rate up in just a few minutes.
- Lift weights in the kitchen—use cans, milk jugs or whatever is convenient in order to fit in a few bicep curls while you make dinner or organize the pantry.
Cold and wet weather. Whether you live in a snow-steeped area of the country or you suffer from drizzly weather and gray skies, going for a run isn’t as simple as it is during the summer. If you’re determined to brave the elements, try these tips for a safe workout:
- Do a quick warm-up inside, such as jogging in place or doing jumping jacks.
- Dress in layers that you can peel off and tie around your waist as you go.
- Wear gloves and a headband or hat to help protect against frostbite.
Cold weather and busy holidays don’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle for fitting in a workout. If you keep exercising during the holiday season, you’ll feel better, stay healthier and be able to justify that extra dessert.