Post Indulgence Penance

OK, so you did it, and you enjoyed it – now what are you going to do about it??? Don’t feel guilty, don’t feel like you failed, and don’t let it put you in a rut. The holidays are single days out of hundreds in the entire year. We are in festive moods, visiting with family, and around so much yummy food!
Just GET MOVING NOW. There are many ways to incorporate physical activity into your busy holiday season, for you and those around you. Invite friends and family members to join you on a refreshing walk around the neighborhood, the local park, or even the mall, instead of meeting for a drink. If you go shopping, make it count – don’t drive around looking for the closest spot, purposely park the furthest you can in the parking lot. The escalator is now off limits, even if you are carrying 3 bags in each hand…better yet do bicep curls with those bags as you walk up the stairs! Every time you set those bags down and pick them up – squat down, don’t lift with your back. When standing in line, do calf raises…still standing in line, squeeze your glutes for an isometric burn.
Why not drive to the ‘country’ and walk/hike around to pick out the tree of your liking, chop it down, and carry it to the car. To find a farm in King County go to: www.pickyourownchristmastree.org/WAxmasnw.php
When decorating, it is easy to twist the ‘wrong’ way and throw your back off. Keep your core tight – suck your navel into your spine and not only will you be protecting your back, but also toning your abdominal region. Make it a point to fully squat down each time you reach into the box to grab something. Play your favorite music and see how much more you move.
These are just a few suggestions on how to keep moving through the next couple months while still enjoying this festive time of year. It is often our exercise that gets put to the side as we get caught up in the holiday season.  Come January we make it our New Years resolution, once again, to drop a few pounds or start a new diet. This year if you keep active and practice moderation,  choose a different resolution!