Stay Focused on Your Workout During the Holidays
With the holidays fast approaching many of us are looking for something to help us burn those anticipated extra calories that come with Thanksgiving and winter holiday dinners. Colder weather also only encourages us to eat more, and heartier. While snuggling up in a blanket on the couch to read a good book or catch up on our favorite holiday movies might be the most tempting thing after a filling winter meal, it is not the best for keeping a fit body.
To help you keep motivated through the cooler months, rather than urging you to work harder and start something new, here are three reasons why you should stick to your current workout schedule.
Number One: Healthy Equals Happy
The holiday season can bring stress as much as joy, and being around family can be as draining as it is fulfilling. Working out and staying active helps the body boost those great endorphins that keep us happy! This is the season of giving, but we can only give of ourselves if we give to ourselves. Consider that happy glow that your workout will give you when you are thinking about curling up with a hot cocoa and warm pie. That sugary high is not as lasting as the rush that getting your heart pumping offers.
Number Two: Combat That Cold
All that holiday hugging and hand shaking conspire to spread joy as well as the common cold bugs that gather in the winter months. Keeping the body moving and active keeps those nasty germs from taking hold. Physical activity also causes our bodies to crave more water. In the cooler months, when we are not obviously dehydrating, we tend to drink less clear water. Drinking lots of water is key to helping the fluids in our bodies stay free of germs and fight infections.
Number Three: Work Out For Warmth
Working up a sweat is better in so many ways than curling up in a sweater. When we move our bodies we heat from the inside out, making us feel less lethargic. Movement is also better for joint health and circulation. When you are planning your workout in the winter season though remember that key of warming up. When muscles and joints are cold they do not work the same. Take a little extra time to stretch and include an extended warm up in your routine. You will be glad you did!
Maybe the biggest reason to keep your routine on track during the holidays is to alleviate that guilt over the huge Thanksgiving feast! Keep moving!
