“HELP! I’m backsliding, big time, and not getting my exercise in!” say my class participants. Does this sound familiar right about this time of year? Here are my 5 tips on how to get your exercise done between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
Heel Raise
Get your equipment and clothing the day ahead. If being outdoors is what gets you moving, have your gloves, hat, warm pants and coat ready and waiting. If you only have 15 minutes to exercise, you don’t want to take 5 minutes, a third of your exercise time, rooting around in the closet looking for your mittens. If you’re headed for the gym or pool, get your swim or gym bag packed and ready the night before.
Toe Raise
Try to fit in a minute of balance and flexibility exercises after your brief walk. Toe and heel raises, like the pictures on the right, can be done anywhere! Do a quadriceps stretch for the top of your thigh – balance on one foot, hold the other ankle, and let that leg relax down toward the floor. Follow up with a hamstring and calf stretch – with feet wider than hip distance apart, hinge back with the hips and lift your toes, using a chair for support. Protect your back by keeping it flat, don’t round it.
Next blog, I’ll talk about how to do mini-strength training workouts when you don’t have time for a full body workout.
Share how you get your exercise in during the holidays with a comment below!
Thanks! Susie