Staying Physically Active During the Holidays

Sometimes a “regular” 30-minute workout isn't conducive to your hectic holiday schedule, so getting extra activity in when and wherever you can will help keep your weight in check. Use these tips (which I’m sure you've heard before, but its always a good reminder) to help you out.

• Add It In Before Getting Places: Whether is parking in the last row of the parking lot at work or the grocery store or taking a lap around the mall before staring shopping, those extra steps will add up. Bonus exercise if you’re carrying heavy bags or pushing a loaded cart. Just watch out for icy patching in the parking lot.

• Take the Stairs: Elevators were invented to make our lives easier, but that convenience has added pounds to our bodies. Take the stairs always, or whenever possible.

• Play Like a Kid Again: At a holiday get together, dust off your snowpants and swap sitting inside watching that made-for-TV movie for a fun time sledding or ice skating or have a snowball fight. There’s usually lots of kids that will want you to join their fun, and if not, feel free to be the big kid at heart. PS sledding (walking up those hills) burns about 240 calories in a half hour.

• Make Physical Activity a New Family Tradition: Before the big meal, take a walk with your whole family or hold a dance party it holiday tunes n the living room. Get creative!

• Sign Up For (and do) a 5K: There are plenty to pick from and you can run or walk. The money raised usually goes to a great cause too! Get a group to do one together. Kids can usually do a 5k too. For a list of events around here, visit runningintheusa.com

• Try Winter Biking: Yes, you CAN ride your bicycle in the winter! Be cautious of snow/sand on the sides of the roads and/or icy spots. Wear layers and warm head gear and hand covers (lobster mittens, handlebar mittens, etc). Don't forget a front and rear light! It gets dark early in the winter.