Sue Grant's Holiday Fitness Tips

You know you “should” keep active all year long, but when you add holidays to the mix, many of us find exercise becomes less of a priority.  However, staying active in some way will give you energy, reduce tension and stress, and of course, help mitigate some of the extra calories you may be eating.  Here are some easy tips that will help you keep moving, even during this busy time of year:

Travel

• If you’re traveling, pack (or wear!)  your comfortable walking shoes, fitness videos, and your  resistance band.
• If flight delays leave you with extra time at the airport, rejoice!  Store your luggage in an airport locker and enjoy people watching as you take a hike through the airport.
• Plan Ahead!  Search for walking or park trails nearby, or find out if any nearby gyms allow guests to use their facility. 
• Malls are also a great place to walk, and if parking is crowded this time of year, consider it a bonus if you have to walk a bit to get to the mall. 
• If your joints can tolerate it, take the stairs whenever possible.  Just be sure to have a free hand next to the banister for safety’s sake.
• Invite your family and friends to walk with you.  It’s such a wonderful way to connect.

“Wherever” Exercises

Here are some easy exercises that you can do anywhere:

• Chair Sit to Stands - Try sitting down very slowly – defy gravity!  This extremely functional exercise will strengthen your “fall prevention” lower body muscles.  Try doing as many as you can before every meal.

• Wall pushups - Stand facing a wall, and put your hands on the wall about shoulder high and shoulder wide.  Bend and straighten your arms, keeping your body straight.  Don’t forget to breathe!  This exercise is easier if your feet are close to the wall, and harder the farther your feet are farther from the wall.  You’ll be strengthening the “pushing” muscles you use every day with this exercise.

• Luggage rows - Stand beside a chair, and put the hand next to the chair on the back of the chair for support.  Lean your torso forward, but if your back protests, then stay more upright. Hold something fairly heavy (like a suitcase) in your hand that is not next to the chair.  Lift the suitcase up and down, bringing your elbow up and then straightening your arm.  This exercise strengthens your back muscles, which are crucial for good posture.