It can be hard to eat healthy and find time to be active during the holiday season. There are parties to plan and family gatherings to attend. Even during this busy time, it is important to stay 
mindful, fit and healthy. Take this time to challenge yourself and your family to make health a priority. Here are some ideas to help you and your family stay active and healthy this holiday season:
Make a plan
It is a good idea to have a solid plan in place and set some reachable goals before the madness begins. Write it down on paper and make a schedule. Once you have a plan in place, set up reminders. Use your phone or post it notes to remind you it is time to get moving.
Get outside
Winter weather lends itself to great outdoor activities with wonderful calorie-burning potential. Get the whole family involved and try a new activity. Skating? Sledding? Snowshoeing? Fat bike? Cross-country skiing? Go for a 15 minute family walk or take your dog for a walk to keep everyone in shape. Just make sure you stay safe and dress appropriately.
Stay inside
- Dance for 5-10 minutes to your favorite music.
- Do squats, 3 sets of ten, with a 30 second break between sets.
- Try to hold your body in the plank position for up to 1 minute; repeat 5 times with a 30 second break between
- Lay down on your back and bicycle your legs in the air for 5-10 minutes.
- Do simple stretches or yoga moves for 5 minutes.
- Walk up and down the stairs
Be prepared
Keep your workout clothes in the car, so you can take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. Getting a 10- to 20-minute workout is better than getting no workout at all.
Staying active this holiday season will help to deal with stress and can help to maintain your weight. Remember, before engaging in any physical activity, it is important to make sure your doctor has cleared you for exercise. Make sure to warm-up prior to any physical activity to reduce the risk of injury. Colorado State University Extension offers a variety of resources on health, nutrition and staying healthy throughout the entire year.
Yes! Thanks for the encouragement and simple examples of ways to stay active during the busy holidays and cold winter weather!
Great reminder Libby! I’m considering putting up the ping pong table so that we have a reason to get up and move around. My competitive family will spend hours playing ping pong if we just take the time to set it up.