IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR ABOUT THIS TIME.
The air is crisper, the days are shorter - and your jeans start getting tighter. Ready or not, the holiday season is here and with that comes seemingly endless temptation and reasons for rest.
The average Canadian gains five or more pounds over the holiday season, only adding to the list of New Year's resolutions when January rolls around.
While the colder weather and holiday treats may seem like the perfect excuse for most of us to stay indoors and avoid the gym, packing on the pounds over the holidays is not something that anyone enjoys.
Fitness expert Joanna Weiler at Hollyburn Country Club has some great, and more importantly realistic, tips for enjoying the best of the holidays without compromising on your fitness goals.
- Plan Ahead.
If you are travelling home for the holidays, planning ahead can make all the difference. Take some time to figure out what your options are for keeping active. Looking for local facilities or classes that may add to your holiday fun.
- Get Creative.
Planning and preparing are nice, but even the best-laid plans can be derailed during the holidays. If you find there is just no way to get in a workout, get creative and find ways to move your body such as walking the dog, playing outside with the kids or doing some extra housework.
- Make it a family affair.
The holidays are all about getting together with family but this doesn't always have to mean gathering around a dinner table. Ice rinks, curling rinks, swimming pools, fitness classes or team sports provide a perfect activity that the entire family can enjoy.
- Take advantage of time off.
If you have any time off over the holidays definitely finish your shopping, but beyond that, use the time to try that fitness class or activity that you have always been curious about but never have time to do. The holidays might just spur a new favourite for your regular fitness routine.
- Go mobile.
A proper workout doesn't have to take place in the gym. There are hundreds of Smartphone applications, like the recently launched P90X app, that take users through a series of exercises from the comfort of their own living room, offering a fun and efficient way to stay on track.
- Get Outside.
Winter activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, skating and sledding are often so much fun you don't realize how hard you are working. In fact some of these activities burn more calories than your regular workout since your body isn't used to them and is forced to use different muscles.
- Save big.
Local gyms and community centres offer specials and special classes over the holidays that don't require a long term commitment.
