Exercise burns calories, even in December. Don’t “let yourself go” until January. If you do, you could be 20-30 pounds heavier. I know you don’t want that to happen. You can have fun in festive December and still exercise and eat reasonably healthy. You will be glad you did---just be a little creative with your exercise routines.
Here are some tips:
1. Many times, December is a good month to try something new with your exercise. If you have been working out at the gym all year, try working out at home during December. It can save you time during this busy month and all you need is 30 minutes to get in a good workout. You could workout while watching your favorite television show with body weight exercises or with a pair of dumbbells and swiss ball.
2. Hold to this one important rule during December: Never skip both your Friday and Monday workouts. If you do this, you could go 4 full days (Fri., Sat., Sun., Mon.) and not workout. Four consecutive missed workout days could start you on the wrong track for the entire month.
3. If you are on vacation traveling for a week, workout at the hotel gym or find the local health club to “get your sweat on.” Some health clubs have agreements with your health club. A new workout atmosphere can be great motivation.
Sometimes the location of your vacation can make working out convenient. For example, if you are going to the mountains, hiking is an ideal exercise activity. And, if you are going to be close to a beach, running in the sand is good exercise.
4. Keep your walking shoes with you! Walk as much as possible during December. This will help you stay active even on days you don’t workout. Take advantage of every opportunity to walk. This one tip should really be used all the time.
5. Keep your jump rope with you. A 30-minute jump rope workout always works.
6. Stay on your meal plan at least 90% of the time during December. This way, you can still have fun and eat healthy most of the time.
7. On nice days, go to the park. Most parks have walking trails, monkey bars (to do pull-ups) or obstacle courses.
8. Remember, all movement burns calories. So, activities like house chores and yardwork count as forms of exercise.
9. If you like sports, playing soccer, basketball, flag football or volleyball are fun ways to burn calories. Dancing also burns tons of calories. And, get that bike out of the garage and ride in December!
10. Keep your fat-burning enzymes active by standing and walking more during the day. Research proves that when you sit, your fat-burning enzymes basically shut down. Keep those fat-burning enzymes working for you.
11. December is a good month to get in more exercise time with your family.
12. Set a goal of at least maintaining the same weight throughout the crazy, busy month of December.
Enjoy this festive month of December!
Mark Dilworth, Certified Personal Trainer
Her Fitness Hut http://herfitnesshut.com