Feels like we’re just racing to the end of the year! Shorter days, colder nights and a schedule packed with holiday events can make it a little tricky to keep fitness and nutrition in mind.
Here are a few hacks on some traditional activities that will increase your productivity and efficiency so you can stay fit going into the new year.
1. LET SICKNESS TALK TO THE HAND
This is an old one but a good one: to defend against nasty colds and flus, make sure to wash your hands frequently. If you aren’t near a sink or somewhere you can easily wash up, try carrying a small spritzer of anti-bacterial spray or even a small pack of baby wipes. If you’re in a sea of sickies at the local grocery store this stuff can give you a quick cleanup on aisle seven.
2. WORK WITH THE EXERCISES YOU’VE GOT
If you’re in certain parts of the country, use the weather to your advantage and try out some new calorie-burning sports. Cross country skiing, ice-skating, snow shoeing, and the much-maligned snow shoveling all burn fat. If you’re strapped for time (aren’t we all?), even sandwiching in a brisk lunchtime walk can keep your blood pumping and your metabolism up.
3. JOIN A WORKOUT CLUB
It’s easier to stay committed when you have to imagine the disappointed looks on your friends’ faces if you flake out on exercising with them. Being part of an exercise group might be just the additional impetus you need to keep your commitment to them and to yourself. Runner’s groups are gaining popularity nationwide – check out one in your town.
4. SOUP UP DINNER
Winter offers a bumper crop of healthy fresh eats, and many of them make great soups! Winter squashes are low in calories but high in vitamins, potassium, and folate and are easy to turn into soup with an immersion blender. A bonus is that you’ll have vitamin and nutrient rich leftover soup for lunch the next day.
5. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP POUNDS
Believe it or not, holiday shopping can be a source of exercise. A new British study shows that people burn 1,572 calories on an average shopping trip and will walk 20 miles during the month to complete Christmas shopping.
6. CHOP DOWN A TREE
If you haven’t gotten your Christmas tree yet, then think about cutting down your own tree at a local tree farm. Not only is it a fun family experience, it’s also a better for the environment than purchasing one at a tree lot. But one of the best reasons might be the calories burned – while estimates vary (from between 300 to 1000 cals an hour) it’s safe to say that you could burn off a slice of yule log by chopping down a tree.
7. JOIN A GYM
If you don’t belong to one already, December is a great time to join a gym. It’s a warm, dry place to workout during inclement weather, and many gyms offer discounted memberships in December. Plus, joining now will help you get a jumpstart on your New Year’s resolutions. That’s gym dandy!
So stay strong, enjoy the wonderland and take these life hacks to the snow bank.
