BACK IN FORM
Health & Fitness Tip - December 2006
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Before getting into the health tip please allow me to extend my personal best wishes and those of our staff here at BACK IN FORM for a "PEACEFUL AND JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON" to you and your loved ones.
Every year around this time many of us are starting to struggle. Struggling to stay on the fitness and exercise track, struggling to control our food intake at many holiday parties and struggling to keep the weight off!
Every year we fall into the same trap allowing us to skip our work-outs due to too little time, allow ourselves to overindulge due to too many temptations and throw all we know about healthy living out the window due to too little willpower (usually too much alcohol). I have written many times before on this same issue, I talk to my clients every year about it, but until today with very mixed results. I hope that changes today.
I love the "Holiday Season" and the last thing I want is for you to miss out on good company, food and treats. All I ask is that you plan ahead going into this wonderful time of the year!
- You will have less time to exercise because of other commitments. That doesn't mean you need to stop all together. Reduce your workouts in frequency and duration by a reasonable amount (2 instead of 3 days per week and 60 minutes instead of 90 often free up enough time for other activities)
- Use good common sense when joining friends for parties. Try to start with healthy food choices such as vegatables and fruit before moving on to the main dishes. Allow for at least one non-alcoholic low- or no-calorie beverage in between each drink. Drink and eat to enjoy not to overindulge.
- On days when you really lack motivation and the will power to exercise try just 10-15 minutes. All you might need is a kick-start. Exercise by using the stairs, parking far from the shopping mall entrance, walk to do chores or play with the kids outdoors.
I believe if you plan ahead at the beginning of the season and at the start of each day you will find staying on track and maintaining your weight is not as hard as it seems.
A Santé,
Hartmut Broring -- M.S. Exercise Therapy