Santa's got a gut, doesn't mean you have to
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Staying fit over the holidays is about as tough as finding a parking space at the mall in December.
Some people think their "holiday sweater" will cover the fat. Some people think the extra baggage keeps them warm during the holiday months (my dad).
The International Health, Racquetball and Sportsclub Association in Boston predicts that more than 1 million Americans will join a gym in January alone to combat the "holiday fat".
Don't gain a small child over the holiday. Get a leg up on your New Year's resolution. Here's some tips from MSNBC and Forbes:
- Work out as early as possible, preferably first thing in the morning. If your schedule is really hectic, wake up early and get training done, if possible, right before you go to work so that nothing else interferes with your workout. On days off from work, definitely get the training done as early as possible.
- One very simple rule of thumb to combat overeating at a party: Don't arrive at any celebration on an empty stomach. Eat a light snack or meal before going to parties, so you don't indulge in the bad stuff at the party. Only go to the dessert table one time, and split the dessert with a friend. Also, have only one to two cocktails at any party, preferably red wine.
- Schedule workouts just like appointments.
- When times are hectic, redefine your workout. It doesn't need to be 45 to 60 minutes. Do a quick total body workout in 15 minutes, don't waste time and move quickly through each exercise, doing one set for each major muscle group.
- Scan the buffet table. Make sure you fill your plate with high-fiber nutritious foods and lean protein. Minimize the amount of treats you eat by enjoying a healthy and delicious buffet selection first.
- Start every morning with a brisk, consistent paced walk of 30 to 45 minutes prior to eating breakfast. You will lose weight even if you continue to eat everything that you normally did prior to implementing this simple walk. Try it.
- The ten-minute rule: You know you should work out, but you're feeling sluggish, lacking energy and thinking you might as well skip your workout. Don't. Give it ten minutes. Start nice and easy, giving yourself ten minutes to "reevaluate." After the first ten minutes, you'll feel energized and want to continue--guaranteed.
posted by Michael Tavani @ 1:12 PM |
