Congratulations! You made it through the holidays and into the New Year.
Maybe, like many folks you fretted about the weight gain/exercise ratio during the holidays.
The good news is – whatever happened, happened. And now it’s time to move on – emphasis on the move.
This holiday season hit most of the country with unseasonable and unreasonable weather and was yet another reason why maintaining a regular and healthy level of exercise might have been challenging.
Here’s an idea: why don’t we agree to make 2011 the year we think less about exercising – and more about moving?
Moving is something we can all do, just about anywhere. We’re already moving. So let’s just move a little more.
A small goal of adding 10 minutes of movement to your day for the next 3 months and you’ll be faster on that first Spring bike ride. Make it 15 minutes and you can try an extra mile on your walk/run by March. Here at Fallon, we get folks to move it by keeping our on-site gym open 24/7 – we provide the access and opportunity, and we’ll help with the motivation. I know a few people who waited out holiday traffic with an extra 15 minutes on the treadmill. That’s a smart use of time.
“But Sol”, you ask, “it’s below freezing/still raining/way to dark out there. How can I get this done?”
Answer: be creative. Here are a few new/different ways to think about moving. Surprisingly, it’s when we get our heads into how many ways there are every day to move a little more, adding those minutes becomes less of a chore and more a way of life.
And that’s really what being Fit to Lead is all about.
New ways to move:
Go shopping: Find a mall near you and talk a walk. Most malls are built in patterns that are as good as walking/running tracks. And there’s no better time than now to get fit and find a bargain. Reminder: if you need a snack, skip the food court – grab water and fresh fruit/vegetables from home.
Clean house: Talk about a full body workout. We forget that cleaning house has us moving like crazy – vacuuming, taking the stairs, making beds. Make sure the music is on and it almost becomes…fun!
Play games: One easy way to get moving is to play. If you have a gaming system, find a sports or dance game that keeps you on your feet. Or try a classic like Twister for a little sweat and a lot of laughs. Even a small Nerf Hoop on the back of a door gives you the chance to move your body without a gym.
Brave it: Have you heard that no one ever melted in the rain. I can guarantee that’s true. Be brave! Get your gear, bundle up and head out – throw a snowball, splash in a puddle, enjoy a gray day. Who knows what joy you’ll find?