Monthly Health Feature - December

Health 4 the Holidays

This Feature was first published in November 2005 by UI Wellness
during the Health 4 the Holidays program;
this year, be sure that you’re registered for Get Fit on Route 66!

Feature Index

Shopping, wrapping gifts, and socializing can be draining and stressful if you’re not prepared. By staying active during this busy time, you can have added energy and a feeling of calm control that you need for this hectic time of year. In addition to keeping you up to holiday tasks, physical activity also provides damage control if you indulge in too many holiday treats – as your calorie intake goes up, so should activity levels.

Timing is Everything

If you’re tight on time, don’t skip your workout – just rethink it. If you normally workout on 4 days a week for 1 hour; consider stretching it out to 7 days for 30 minutes each session. Or combine your errands – plan a shopping trip right after the gym. Also, putting on holiday music and dusting off the home exercise equipment is a festive option!

Buy All Means

Prepare for a marathon shopping trip by packing a small, healthy snack, drink water, wear good walking shoes, and dress comfortably. Ideas to make shopping more active:

• Walk briskly around mall for 20 minutes before shopping
• Walk up and down escalators or take stairs
• Park at the far end of the lot
• Unload often – after you’ve purchased a couple of items, take them out to the car.

Morning Glory – Earlier is Better

Get your activity in early, before the stores open and the festivities begin. Planning your workouts for the morning helps you avoid sacrificing your exercise, even if you have unforeseen errands. It also energizes you for the rest of the day.

On Dasher and Dancer

Start a holiday tradition that’s playful and fun for you, friends, and the whole family: explore new winter activities. You could try snow shoeing or cross country skiing. Or plan a party that involves physical activity such as caroling in the neighborhood or ice skating. To offset those numerous bowl games, get off the couch during halftime and take to the field to play your own game!

To Grandmother’s House We Go

Traveling over the holidays? Pack workout clothes, proper shoes, jump rope, or exercise ball. Even if there’s no time for your full routine, get a little movement each day.

That’s a Wrap

Give a gift of fitness – roller blades, bicycle, ice skates, football, or even a gym membership.