You've been working hard to keep up with your gym routine all year long, but the holiday season can put even the most disciplined fitness guru to the test. The holidays call for round the clock errands, juggling a never-ending shopping schedule and organizing a grand family meal. The hustle and bustle of the season can leave you spent and less likely to stick with that early a.m. treadmill circuit. Still, there are a few ways to keep up with your healthy intentions. Here are some tips to stay motivated and get buff through this high-stress season:
1. Get serious about yoga. Yoga is a great workout no matter what your fitness level is, and yoga has the added benefit of relieving stress. Inhale and exhale your way to peace and tranquility in a comfy pair of yoga pants, which will keep you cool and calm when anxiety levels run high. Schedule yourself at least 1-2 sessions per week and greet the sunrise whenever possible.
2. Hit the slopes! If you're blessed with piles of snow over the holiday season, get out and have some fun in the great outdoors with some skiing or snowboarding. You'll be working that upper and lower body to the max as you take in that crisp winter air. No snow to be found? Make your way to the nearest indoor ski center for a pseudo-ski that will burn off plenty of calories.
3. Adopt a walking mantra. Walking at a moderate pace can increase your heart rate and give you a brief mini-workout without the fuss. You just need to sustain a moderate speed for 15-20 minutes to make the most of this fitness routine. Squeeze in a walking session between errands or make a point of walking more often than driving as you go about your busy day. Just strap on those walking shoes and hit the road!
Whether you decide to burn off mega-calories on the ski slopes or stretch away stress and tension with yoga, keep up with your fitness resolutions this season and ward off those pesky holiday pounds. Your fitness routine might also allow for a second helping of pumpkin pie without the guilt!