Is it important to exercise during the holidays?!!?

Yes, Heck Yes! It's vitally important to exercise during the Holidays...

Exercising first thing in the morning is ideal during the holidays. That way, it's done and it frees up the rest of your day. If that doesn't work, then plan a time and stick to it. The key is making sure you "fit" exercise in -- or you won't be "fitting" into your clothes much longer. Keeping up with your fitness routine needs to stay at the top of your holiday to-do list. Discipline yourself to stick with your workouts, stay on track and get your exercise in before doing holiday errands. You will be more energized and focused, and you'll get much more accomplished.

Find yourself overwhelmed and stressed during the holidays? Yeah, I thought so. Here are some simple suggestions for creating time for exercise during the holidays:

Shop for presents online. There is no need to waste valuable gym time at the department stores. Order your presents online, and while everyone is waiting in line at the stores, enjoy the extra space at the gym!

Take a post-holiday dinner walk. If possible, involve the entire family. If none of the adults are interested, walk the family dog or take the kids outside to play.

Enter a holiday-themed run/walk race or special fitness event at your gym. Recruit family members to participate together as a team. Most states, towns or cities sponsor some sort of Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, as well as a Christmas-themed race. This year at the MJCCA, we are having a 'Kick Your Spouse's Butt' event around Christmas. How fun does THAT sound?

If you're crunched for time, then try doing shorter, but more intense, workouts. These type of higher-intensity workouts burn more calories in the course of the day than a less-intense, longer session. If you lift weights, you can train in a circuit fashion, going from one exercise to the next with minimal or no rest between sets. This way, you can keep up your heart rate and get a cardiovascular and strength workout all in one. Got a  treadmill at home? If you walk at 3.5 mph, increase the speed to 5 mph for a minute, then decrease to 3.5 mph for 30 seconds, and repeat. Twenty minutes is sufficient and gets you out the door sooner.

Don't let your fitness routine fall to the bottom of your to-do list, because more than likely you won't do it. Make it a priority to get your workouts in. Doing so will help you to stay healthy, energized and productive. And it will help prevent the holiday weight gain- you will enter the New Year stronger and focused on continuing the good habits you've created for yourself.

Best,

DeAnne