Are we there yet? Have we made it though the holiday season?
Well, almost.
Are we there yet? Have we made it though the holiday season? Well, almost.
As we know, with the holidays come a host of social gatherings and parties that usually lead to increased food and drink consumption, and yes, more stress.
As we get busier and busier, we tend to get more and more stressed out. Thus, certain parts of our routine fall by the wayside to make time for everything else, namely our exercise regimes.
Studies have shown that regular exercise is an effective stress reducer, and the holidays are a prime source of anxiety for many people. Although it is a time of joy and peace, depression levels skyrocket. Some exercise is better than none, and time is of the essence.
There are a number of effective ways of keeping to your program. One is writing it down on your daily calendar, as you would an appointment – an appointment with Mr. Elliptical Trainer or Ms. Treadmill, if you will. You are less likely to skip an appointment that is written down than one that is not in writing.
Another great strategy: find a workout partner. If you know someone else is counting on you, you will probably not skip it.
Ideally, your workout partner should be someone who will push you and someone you can push. It also makes the workout more fun.
Or, if you still think you will be inclined to miss your workouts, hire a personal trainer during the holidays. Again, if you know someone is waiting for you, and in this case you are paying for it, you will show up.
Set a goal of maintaining your present weight during the weeks between Thanksgiving (or even Halloween) and New Year’s.
The average person gains approximately seven to 10 pounds during this time. With the extra food and drink most of us take in, exercising is one way to offset those extra pounds, which contributes to the anxiety that builds up during this season.
Beat the New Year’s rush. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape.
Get ahead of the masses and start now. However, for the moment, don’t worry so much about losing weight, as that will merely add to your stress levels. Focus more on just keeping active. Even just a few simple moves can help ward off those pesky pounds.
Bottom line, the holidays can be an enormously stressful time for many. Which is all the more reason to stick with your exercise program. Maintain your fitness levels and your stress levels will likely take care of themselves.
If you have any questions, or would like more information about T-Tapp or any other fitness matter, please contact me at (408) 981-1566 or e-mail me at
ho**********************@ve*****.net
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Karen Seraphine holds a master of arts degree in physical education/fitness management from New York University, and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer and a lifestyle and weight management consultant. She is the president of HomeRun Personal Training in Gilroy.
