Forgive me if I sound like the Grinch, but sometimes that's how many of us feel during the too-crammed-with-to-do-lists holiday season! BUT -- and this is a big but (in fact, it's about the same size that my butt gets if I don't exercise!) -- I also know that the holidays are a time when I most need to incorporate exercise and a healthy diet into my day.
Regular exercise and the right foods help to relieve stress and benefit us physically and emotionally. It's a win-win situation with regard to the holiday season.
So what have you got to lose? Nothing -- but the holidays are a time when you have a higher risk of gaining weight.
Making a plan always helps -- so here's my plan for maintaining my exercise program this holiday season:
1. When I drive to the mall, I'll take a brisk walk around the outside before going inside.
2. My gym workouts belong on my calendar. That way, they are scheduled in, giving them just as much importance as that holiday office party and the cookie exchange.
3. Speaking of that cookie exchange, I'll ask if anyone is interested in exchanging fitness and exercise DVDs. I have some that I'm bored with -- and I'd love to enjoy some new ones and clean out my old ones with friends.
4. I know my vulnerabilities when it comes to exercise. For example, I hate driving in wild winds and heavy rainstorms or hail. If it's that way on the weekend, I'm tempted to stay at home and skip the drive to the gym. Therefore, I'm going to make another list of exercises that I can do at home. For example, I have a variety of fitness DVDs, a stationary exercise bike and a mini stair-stepper. Those, together with crunches, leg lifts and stretches, will go on my list.
Variety is the way to go when it comes to exercise. Mixing it up means you're never bored and always entertained enough to meet your exercise goals (my current fitness goal is a minimum of five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each time, mixing cardio and strength with flexibility and balance moves). I always keep a range of fitness DVDs and videos on my top shelf. Here are some favorites that are worth checking out:
10-Minute Solution: Dance It Off and Tone It Up: This action-packed DVD includes a resistance band. You can choose your own workout segments, such as Sexy Slim Down, High Energy Fat Burner (my personal favorite) and Dancer's Abs. You'll need that toning band for the Upper Body Tone-Up and Lower-Body Tone-Up segments.
Shortcuts to Big Weight Loss: This fitness DVD features three workout sections: Cardio Sculpt, Pilates Sculpt and Kickbox Sculpt. You'll also get a warm-up and cook-down, as well as bonus segments with extra instructions and ideas.
10-Minute Solution: Slim & Sculpt Pilates DVD: Included is a Pilates band. I particularly benefited from the Pilates for Flexibility section. I tend to have a problem with that aspect of fitness, and even though I was sore the next day, it was that "good sore" feeling that you get from a much-needed workout!
Joanne Eglash is a writer and an editor specializing in health, weight control and fitness. She's written for a variety of publications and Web sites, ranging from Energy for Women magazine to KidsHealth.org. Courtesy of Ediets