November 26, 2015
Ways to keep fit in the run-up to Christmas
Christmas day is just under one month away (December 25th), so as you begin to prep your decorations and gifts, there’s something else that you should consider: your health.
During the festive period, it’s common to let your health and fitness levels slip, with tucking into a selection of seasonal food and drink seeming much more appealing than staying in shape.
Although it is a special time of year, that’s not to say you should put your health on the backburner. There are a number of ways to keep fit in the run-up to Christmas, while having fun at the same time.
Here’s how:
Make time for fitness
You’re likely to be busy over the festive period, what with catching up with friends and family. This means that your daily schedule will be more jam-packed than usual, making it difficult to spare some time for exercise.
A good way to ensure you include keeping fit in your daily routine this Christmas is to take part in group exercise activities with your loved ones. This means getting together a few times a week and doing something fun and energetic. Hill climbing in the great outdoors is an excellent option, since you can take in the beautiful views once you get to the top.
Put your skates on
In the UK and rest of Europe, it’s winter time, which means many cities across the globe have opened ice rinks to the public. Ice skating is a fantastic way of keeping fit, while having fun at the same time.
Head on down to your nearest rink and put your skates on for an hour of exercise, festive music and laughter.
Eat well
As well as exercising, it is vital to eat well – not just at Christmas time, but all year round. Over the festive period, you will find that there is a lot more temptation to indulge in rich, sugary treats. So long as you eat these in moderation, as part of a healthy, balanced diet, it’s okay.
However, there are ways to stay healthy while enjoying the festive foods on offer. The traditional Christmas bird, turkey, is high in protein, as well as delicious. Remove the skin to reduce its fat content.
What’s more, greens such as cabbage and sprouts are typically eaten around Christmas time, so make sure you get your five a day by tucking in.
Go for a walk
There’s nothing more calming than going for a brisk walk. It goes without saying that the run-up to Christmas can often be stressful.
Embarking on walk can help you to unwind, clear your mind and keep fit at the same time. Head to a picturesque park in your area and take your friends and family with you. If it’s winter where you are, make sure you wrap up warm and wear some sturdy footwear!
