Is It Important to Exercise During the Holidays?

I've been asked this question too many times:

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 holidays. That way, it gets DONE and frees up the rest of your day. If that doesn't work, 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 stores. Order your gifts from the web 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. We just completed an event called 'Cycle for Good' at the MJCCA and raised over $1,000 for Special Olympics during Hanukkah. How fun does THAT sound?

Don't let your fitness routine fall to the bottom of your list, because more than likely you won't do it. Make it a priority to get your workouts in. Doing so will help you say 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.

Happy Holidays!

DeAnne