Healthy for the holidays. Part 1

Welcome to December. For the next 3 weeks, FitStop blog will be all about living out the holidays in a healthier way. I've decided to break up the weeks in the following sections:

1. Staying Active amid the sometimes hectic schedules

2. Busy is a choice (how to slow down in such a fast-paced month)

3. Healthier food choices at the get togethers (and every other meal too)

So, today we are going to dive into being and staying consistent in our physical activity. I know a lot of you already have that amazing habit down, but for some reason, when December rolls around, our schedules change - a lot. And if you are a parent driving your kids to every pageant, party, or parade, plus their regularly scheduled activities, sometimes your exercise routine takes the back seat. Even if you've got no kids to cart about, there are dinners out, work parties, gift exchanges, family to visit, shopping to do, etc..... the list goes on. Next week we will discuss busyness, but for today, let's focus on making sure we stay active, physically.

Let's talk about those of you who already have it figured out. You make time in your schedule to get in your 3-5 days a week of workout, either at home or the gym. If it doesn't happen one day, you make sure you get for a walk or do some stretching, at least. Way to go! You're doing so great and your body is thanking you. Keep it up and encourage those around you to do the same.

But what if you aren't being very consistent and you're allowing the busyness of life in December to take over? I want to encourage you that you don't need to feel like you have to wait for January to roll around. Because guess what? If you can't find time in December, you probably won't find it in January either.

Here are some tips to help you get and stay active starting today. No matter what is going on in your life.

• 10 minutes. It's really all you need. Move your body. 10 minutes a day. Squat, march, jog, jacks, pushups, planks. You don't even need to leave your bedroom. Get it done first thing in the morning.

• Set a reminder on your phone to move. Pick a time you know you'll be free, whether it's mid-morning, lunch, mid-afternoon, or evening, it doesn't matter. Just move your body (you can use the ideas from the point above, or pick your own moves to do)

• Do you watch TV? Use that time to move. Chair exercises are excellent. Or get on the floor.

• Don't want to workout at home? Come on in to the gym. You don't need to stay long. Again, pick a time of day that works best and plan on 20 minutes of hard, intense movement. You'll be glad you did and your body will respond positively.

Once you start moving, your body will ask for more. And eventually your mind will be convinced too. 10 minutes is all it takes to start to create a habit. So, don't use the excuse of you don't have time this month. You do. 10 minutes a day is only like 0.7% of your day!! You can do a lot in 10 minutes!!

According to a recent survey, 75% of Canadians say finding the time to exercise is their biggest obstacle to being more physically active. 75%, guys!! Don't be a statistic, please! Find the time to move your body. Don't let the busyness of December choke you. I beg you.

PSAs

It's a new birthday month. If you're a December baby, like myself ;), enter the birthday draw for your chance at FitStop swag!!

The 12 days of Fitmas challenge is up and running. Each day, a new move is added to the last days.

I've been picking up after a lot of people lately, whether it be plates, resistance bands, mats, DBs, or benches. It doesn't matter the piece of equipment, if you use it, please clean and replace it. Thank you

Please wear clean, proper sneakers in the gym and to classes.

Would you like to share your transformation story with FitStop? I'd love to hear from you. Whether you've reached your goals, or are just getting started, you have a story to tell. It usually starts with a mindset shift and goes from there. If you'd like to share, please email me: tracy.jones@summerside.ca

Thanks again for your loyalty and trust!

Tracy