Holiday ads are already hitting us---it's an even busier time of year. And, although this is a happy time, it can also be a stressful period, where we end up feeling overworked and burdened. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to fit everything in...but... now is not the time to abandon exercise!
Remember that exercise is an excellent, efficient trigger for stress relief! Moving more helps you feel better fast. That in and of itself can be a great motivator for sticking with a fitness plan!
Here are some other tips to keep you moving through the holidays:
Exercise with a Friend: You've heard it before, but research continues to support the idea that the buddy system works when it comes to working out! Research shows people are more likely to exercise regularly if they do it with a friend, or as part of a group. This is a great time of year to treat a friend to a fun Zumba class with you!
Make it Routine: Consistency counts when it comes to making fitness part of your lifestyle. Block out your exercise time as fiercly as you would any other important event. Treat it as an appointment that simply can't be moved. If you start to allow yourself to think that your workout is optional, it becomes optional!
Break it Up: If the thought of committing to going to an exercise class twice a week for the next two months is too much to handle, Focus on a one month, or one week goal instead. Create a program that is achievable for you, for your best chances of sticking with it!
Schedule Smart: When's the best time for you to workout? When it best fits into your day. Many people find that time to be first thing in the morning, or right after work---before the day sucks you up. Trying to make it to a class at a time that forces you to choose between that and other responsiblities will be hard to stick with long-term.
Celebrate Milestones: Success isn't measured only on the scale! Are you following the routines better? Did you get yourself to class this week? Are you making healther choices outside of class? Slow down and take a few minutes to think about how you feel during and after a workout. Registering those good feelings goes a long way in keeping you going back for more.
As a guide, make it a priority to exercise at least once or twice a week from now through the new year...and when you're short on time, tap into the power of research that shows even ten minute bursts of activity can bring positive, healthy benefits. Ten minutes are better than zero!
Remember that exercise is an excellent, efficient trigger for stress relief! Moving more helps you feel better fast. That in and of itself can be a great motivator for sticking with a fitness plan!
Here are some other tips to keep you moving through the holidays:
Exercise with a Friend: You've heard it before, but research continues to support the idea that the buddy system works when it comes to working out! Research shows people are more likely to exercise regularly if they do it with a friend, or as part of a group. This is a great time of year to treat a friend to a fun Zumba class with you!
Make it Routine: Consistency counts when it comes to making fitness part of your lifestyle. Block out your exercise time as fiercly as you would any other important event. Treat it as an appointment that simply can't be moved. If you start to allow yourself to think that your workout is optional, it becomes optional!
Break it Up: If the thought of committing to going to an exercise class twice a week for the next two months is too much to handle, Focus on a one month, or one week goal instead. Create a program that is achievable for you, for your best chances of sticking with it!
Schedule Smart: When's the best time for you to workout? When it best fits into your day. Many people find that time to be first thing in the morning, or right after work---before the day sucks you up. Trying to make it to a class at a time that forces you to choose between that and other responsiblities will be hard to stick with long-term.
Celebrate Milestones: Success isn't measured only on the scale! Are you following the routines better? Did you get yourself to class this week? Are you making healther choices outside of class? Slow down and take a few minutes to think about how you feel during and after a workout. Registering those good feelings goes a long way in keeping you going back for more.
As a guide, make it a priority to exercise at least once or twice a week from now through the new year...and when you're short on time, tap into the power of research that shows even ten minute bursts of activity can bring positive, healthy benefits. Ten minutes are better than zero!
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