When you think of the holidays and your weight loss plan you immediately think of food.  What people usually do not think about is exercise.  If your staying home you can easily incorporate exercise into the holidays.  Most fitness centers and gyms are open for limited hours or you can choose to do a home exercise program to start the day.  What happens when you travel?  Traveling is part of the holiday season.  If you’re traveling plans involve an extended stay then you need to plan accordingly.  Traveling can destroy all of the effort you have put into reaching your goals.  According to the American Council on Exercise a little planning and research can go a long way.

 

) Nature – “It’s a big horn. Well!  That’s why I come up here. Look at you. You’re hungry. You don’t even blink do you . Quick staring contest me and you Now!  You win, you always do. That’s why I come up here. Nature! Goulet!”

 

– Will Ferrell (as Robert Goulet on SNL)

 

Well, not everything about that quote fits the point I’m trying to make but it’s a good skit!  Nature can be one of your best exercise friends.  Nowadays, plenty of parks and trails have exercise stations built into them.  You can even go for a hike if you’re in the mountains.  Traveling to a city?  No problem.  Find a local school’s stadium and use the track or bleachers.  The possibilities are endless!

 

2) No Power? No Problem! –  Just because there is no electrical outlet or treadmill plugged into the wall, does not mean you can make excuses not to exercise.  Body-weight exercises can be used anywhere and anytime.  Examples include jumping jacks for cardiovascular and body-weight squats and push ups for resistance training.  Resistance tubing bands are a lightweight option that travel easy.  When coupled with a door attachment, they make for a mighty pairing.

 

) “Failing to plan is planning to fail”.  Check the surrounding area for a fitness center.  Call ahead and ask them about pricing for the time that you’ll be there, hours they will be open and classes that they’ll have.  If your staying in a hotel, check to see if they have a fitness center.  You can also ask the front desk at the hotel for information on fitness centers or nearby parks.  Make sure you bring a pair of workout shoes, shorts and shirt.  These are all usually very lightweight.

 

The article brings up an excellent last point.  Whether your trip is for business or vacation, remember that you should have some time for yourself every day. Why not dedicate that time to improving your health and making yourself feel better?

 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

 

) American Council on Exercise.  (2011).  http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/fitfacts_display.aspx?utm_source=Health%2BeTips&utm_medium=email&utm_term=November%2B2011&utm_campaign=Consumer%2BOutreach&CMP=EMC-HET_1111&itemid=2634&category=
2) Photo courtesy of Andy Nelson <p><a href=”http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=”>Image: Andy Newson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></p>

 

Brent

Brent

President, Personal Training Manager at Body By Brent LLC
Brent
Brent
Brent