Between holiday preparations, like shopping and cookie-baking, family time, and bad weather, there are so many excuses not to workout this season. In fact, anonymized Fitbit user data shows December is the least active month of the year! Unfortunately, this is also a time of year when folks tend to overindulge in the sweets and eggnog. Yes, you’re busy, but it’s possible to create a healthy lifestyle that works for you even when taking 2% of your day to get fit sounds like too much. These six tips can help you fit in fitness wherever you can.
1. Short & sweet is better than none
So maybe you don’t have time to go on a 5-mile walk. Or a 1-mile walk. Or… you get the picture. But even if all you can do is get up and take a lap around the block — or even the house — make the commitment to at least do that every day. You can always increase your workout length if time allows, and as long as you don’t let your exercise time diminish to zero you can go to bed each night knowing that you did something.
2. Take the stairs
If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, you know that by taking the stairs you’re upping your efficiency by burning about 5x more calories. And while it can be tempting to hop into an elevator or step onto the escalator, you need to get up to the next floor one way or another. So why not count it toward that day’s workout?
3. Exercise during phone calls
One benefit to cordless phones? You can pace while getting work done! Turn phone time into fit time by walking around or stretching while talking.
4. Think quality, not quantity
One way to maximize your workouts all year long is to be as efficient as possible with the time you have. If you can manage a run instead of a walk, go for it. Or if you can handle a 15-minute high-intensity workout, try that instead of the same old workout routine you’re used to. Search online for “15-minute workout” or even “4-minute workout” and you’ll come up with plenty of options that can work for you.
5. Be prepared to eat healthy
Fast food is popular for a variety of reasons, but you can find the same quick and easy meals in your own home if you plan ahead. Be sure to keep your fridge stocked with healthy foods that are easy to turn into a meal, and don’t underestimate the power of a slow cooker.
6. Turn everyday tasks into mini-workouts
Even when you’re busy there are certain things that you get done each day that involve standing around, like brushing your teeth or doing the dishes. Take these moments to fit in some exercise by doing squats, balancing on one foot, or pressing onto your toes for a calf workout. If you really want to step it up, try doing some of these lunge variations while walking around the house!
How are you staying fit this season? Let us know in the comments!
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
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