Make Fitness a Priority During the Holidays

By Sue Parks

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most sedentary. Yes, the holidays are upon us, and with them come joy, peace, and lots of baked goods. But sugar cookies and gingerbread men aren’t the only things hindering your healthy lifestyle this time of year. Cold weather, shorter days, and traveling often leave us with little time, energy, or motivation to get in a much-needed workout.

That’s where walking comes in — it’s the perfect exercise to squeeze into your day, and it delivers big results. By now, you’ve likely heard of the 10,000-steps-a-day challenge. This is the perfect goal to achieve each day, especially during the winter months when you may be less active. Wearing a step-counting device will keep you on top of this goal. Don’t let cold weather and busy days get you down; be creative about fitting walks into your day.

Staying Fit on the Go
Just the phrase “holiday travel” can send shivers down your spine, but try to look at things differently this year: Ask yourself how you can get your steps in while on the road. If you’re heading to the airport, this should be a breeze. After you get through security, place your bags on a luggage cart and walk the terminals. This is a great exercise to do before you sit on a long flight, and it can reduce the stress of travel.

Driving to your family’s home this year? Wear warm and comfortable clothing in the car and have your socks and gym shoes nearby. When you stop for gas, food, or a rest area, get out of the car and get your legs moving. If you have enough travel time, schedule some stops at local trails. You can map out your route ahead of time and check out a trail-finding website, like www.localhikes.com, to find the right energy-boosting path.

If you’re staying in a hotel, a fitness-friendly holiday should be easy. Choose a hotel with help from websites that provide information about the hotel’s fitness center. Follow up with a phone call directly to the hotel. Ask about the fitness center’s hours, the quality of the equipment, and any possible additional fees. As soon as you wake up in the morning, put your gym clothes on and hit the treadmill.

Walking the Great Outdoors (or Indoors)
Cold weather is an often-used excuse for not exercising during winter months. I grew up in the Midwest so I know what a battle the winter can be. I travel to my hometown for the holidays and get in my steps by either walking indoors or bundling up and heading outside.

Spending all your time holiday shopping? Hitting the mall has an added benefit — it’s a great place to accumulate steps. Shopping is an efficient calorie-burner, and an indoor mall can be your best friend on bad-weather days. Many malls open their doors early for walkers. The stores themselves aren’t open yet, but it’s a great time to window-shop and really focus on your workout.

Escape “cabin fever” and head outside for some fresh air. In cold climates, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are all fun calorie-blasters the whole family can enjoy. Walking outdoors is great, but be prepared for the elements. Check the weather and dress accordingly. If you live in a warmer climate, invite family to celebrate the holidays with you. You can hike, tour your town on foot, or start a new family tradition of walking together in an organized “Turkey Trot” or other charitable event.

When the temperature drops, make your fitness a priority. Get to the gym, get to the mall, get outside…just get moving. It really is a winter wonderland, and walking will make it even more wonderful.

Sue Parks is the founder and CEO of WalkStyles, Inc., a healthy lifestyle company dedicated to improving lives through walking. WalkStyles manufactures a line of active wear and fitness monitors, and its website, www.walkstyles.com, offers resources for walking groups, buddies, and individuals. Email Sue Parks at sue.parks@walkstyles.com.