Stay fit during a hectic holiday week

Most of us will be faced with the daunting task of laboring through long to-do lists during this holiday week. It’s usually at times like this that exercisers allow themselves a break from their usual routine to spend extra time just getting things done. While it’s a great idea to give yourself a break, if you can manage to maintain any level of commitment to your fitness plan, even a reduced investment will pay off in the long run.

With shopping to do, packages to wrap and parties to attend, you may not have the time or energy to muster a trip to the gym. Here are some tips for an alternate plan if your best intentions are falling flat.

1. Plan a lower intensity activity. If you usually run, plan a walk. If you sweat out level 10 on the elliptical, reduce it to 6. The thought of doing an easy activity is more palatable than the thought of having to run yourself ragged at full intensity, especially when you are already tired. If you are on the fence, deciding between a nap on the couch or a trip to the gym, a less intimidating work out option may be just the thing that helps you grab the gym bag instead of the blanket.
2. Shorten our workout. A plan to do 90 minutes of cardio doesn’t do any good if all that gets done is the plan. A twenty minute mini blast may not burn the same number of calories, but it still gets you moving. Allow yourself the break of a short session. Often getting started is the hardest part of your workout.   You may find that once you get moving, you become re-energized and the ninety minute workout happens anyway.
3. Break up your workout throughout the day. If the to-do list doesn’t even allow for a 20 or 30 minute workout, break it up into smaller pieces and take a health break after completing errands or holiday tasks. Use simple weight training exercises and string together a 5 or 10 minutes workout, or do a quick cardio segment with a jump rope or stairs.  By the end of the day you will have accomplished a total body workout.
4. Involve your family. Your errands might be done, but you may still have family members to entertain or bored kids home from school. Put them to work and involve them in your workout. Go for a walk, hit the slopes, or let them visit your gym as a healthy holiday activity.

By honoring a fitness commitment, even if it is modified, exercisers benefit by maintaining momentum. A fitness habit is hard to instill but easy to break. Keep the ball rolling, and spend a few minutes each day staying true to your health.