XMAS: VIDEO: Staying active during the December holidays
Take a look at these easy health tips on exercise during the December holiday.
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The December holidays are a busy time of the year. Between shopping, spending time with family and travelling, it can be easy to lose track of your exercise routine.
The holiday season is a time to indulge, but unfortunately, those delicious holiday foods usually make you pack on the calories. The good news is, you can still make the most of the holiday season, while also not feeling like a complete couch potato.
With some planning and creativity, you can stay active on your own terms and in the comfort of your own home.
Personal trainer, Nicolene de Jongh advises that people try bodyweight exercises, which can be done without any equipment at home.
“There are many different things people can do. You can maybe do 10 squats, ten push-ups, ten burpees. You can do things like jumping jacks. They only take a few minutes of your time,” she says.
De Jongh gives the following tips on how to stay active during the December holiday season:
1. Bring your walking shoes. Try to walk places as much as you can. It’s a great way to get in some extra cardio during the day.
2. Get your activity in early. Even if you have little time, try a quick workout before the day gets busy.
“Wake up early every morning. Get your workout in first thing in the morning, and you’re done for the day,” says De Jongh.
3. Make exercise a part of everyday life. Take the stairs instead of the lift, park further from the building to maximise walking time, or try to stand instead of sit.
4. Fitness is for everyone. Everything is better with people to share it with. Get the family involved in group activities and games so that everyone stays active this holiday season.
5. Burn up the dance floor. All those Christmas parties are a great way to get your body moving.
6. Remember, everything in moderation.
“Over the holidays it’s difficult to eat healthy all the time but try to eat what you want, just in moderation. Withholding your body from cravings can also be unhealthy. Let’s just say it’s safe to indulge just every now and then.”
Watch these videos on some healthy tips:
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