Can you believe it is Thanksgiving already? Where does the time
go? The
“holiday season” has officially begun.
Can you believe it is Thanksgiving already? Where does the time go? The “holiday season” has officially begun.
With the holidays come a host of social gatherings and parties that usually lead to increased food and drink consumption, and yes, more stress.
My last column addressed ways of beating your daily (and holiday) stress. As we get busier and busier, and more and more stressed out, certain parts of our routine fall by the wayside, 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 an appointment. You are less likely to skip an appointment written on your calendar than one that is not in writing.
Find a workout partner. If you know that someone else is counting on you, you will probably not skip it. It also makes the workout more fun.
Set a goal of maintaining your present weight during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years. The average person gains approximately seven to ten pounds during this time. With the extra food and drink most of us take in, exercising is one way to offset those extra pounds.
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.
Bottom line… the holidays are no excuse for dropping off your exercise plan. In fact, they’re all the more reason to stay on. Keep up your fitness levels now, and it will be much easier to keep your resolutions later.
Karen Frost is the Wellness Director for Gold’s Gym of Morgan Hill. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education from New York University, and is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant.
