Big, delicious meals, hectic busy schedules, and the cold weather can all be reasons why our health and fitness levels get put on hold during the holiday season. Yet, with the increase of food, drink, sugar, and stress it’s even more important that we remain active during the winter. Here are a few simple and effective tricks that can make all the difference to keeping you healthy fit and happy this season.
1. Take up Yoga
If you haven’t already joined the Yogi movement, it’s time. Yoga is a full body workout with so many benefits for your body and mind. It takes only 30-60 minutes a day, and only requires a mat for you to perform. Browse on youtube for a full body or concentrated workout if you can’t get to a class. If you can find a studio that you love, adding yoga into your routine can drastically improve your body composition, your bone and muscle health, and can also help to relieve anxiety by improving your breathing and putting you into a calm state of mind.
2. Take Spin Classes
If the winter weather has got your bike hung up in the garage until Spring, Spin is a great option instead. If you are looking for a workout that will kick-your-butt and leave you sweating, spin is for you. It’s awesome for holiday season for those of us who want to indulge freely in the PSL’s, pies, and potatoes without showing it on your waistline. Most spin studios have early classes, letting you start your day off with a high-intensity cardio session, and are filled with other motivated individuals to keep you inspired.
3. Dress for the occasion
Just because it’s colder outside (or much colder, depending on where you live), doesn’t mean that outdoor workouts aren’t an option. You simply have to dress for the weather. Wear a thicker or fleece-lined pair of yoga pants and thermal underlayers. Wearing a headband to protect your ears from the cold can help you stay running longer.
4. Take up a winter sport
Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are all active things you can do in the winter months. Even if it’s for a few hours every few weeks, winter gives you the chance to work out new muscles and try a new sport you may never have tried before. Instead of shying away from the snow, dive right in and take some ski or snowboard lessons for a great time and a great workout.
What do you think?