Between getting ready for the holidays and visiting family and friends, it’s no secret that fitting in time for your regular workout isn’t easy. But while doing your normal exercise routine may not be possible, there is still plenty you can do to stay active. Studies have shown that three segments of 10 minutes exercise is just as effective as doing all your exercise in a 30-minute block.
We all have 10 minutes to spare, whether it’s going for a walk over your lunch hour or heading out for a walk when you get home from work (since it’s already dark now by 4:30 p.m., make sure you carry a light or wear light reflective clothing so you’re visible to cars.)
Here are some other ways to incorporate some exercise into your holiday schedule:
- Go for a family walk after dinner. Feeling full after Christmas dinner? Instead of everyone sitting down, round up the family and go for a walk. You’ll all feel a little bit better. Another fun idea – especially since the weather has been so unseasonably warm this year – is to go for walk around the neighborhood to look at Christmas tree lights. Going by foot you’ll notice more and get in some exercise.
- Have a dance party with the kids. Put on some tunes, gather the kids and dance for 10 minutes – that short burst of exercise will give you energy and get everyone moving (kids need daily exercise too!)
- Play a game outside. Without snow, you can easily go outside and play a family game of football or basketball. If there is snow, head outside and play in the snow. If we get enough snow that you can go sledding, do that – walking up and down the sledding hill is great exercise.
- Play an interactive video game. Video games are popular, but there are some that require the user to get moving. While an Xbox Kinect game or a Wii sports game isn’t as great as playing the real game, it’s still getting you to move, which is a good thing.
- Combine a family activity and exercise. I’m thinking of bowling, ice-skating or roller skating. Another option might be to check out a trampoline park and join the kids as they jump around.
- Try to keep to your regular exercise schedule as much as possible. Still head to the gym each morning, but if it’s a particularly busy day, maybe cut off five to 10 minutes.
Staying active during the holidays is doable. It just takes a little creativity and some planning ahead. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy new year!
Kayla Pfeiffer is a licensed athletic trainer with ThedaCare Orthopedic Care at ThedaCare Medical Center-New London.
