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offers exercise tips for a healthy holiday season
11/17/09
DENTON —
Experts at the Texas Woman’s University Institute for
Women’s Health say there are ways to enjoy the holidays
without disrupting your exercise routine.
“The holidays
are a busy and stressful time for many people. Sticking to
your exercise routine will give you a needed break from the
‘to do’ list and is an excellent way to relieve
stress,” said Carolyn Rogan, coordinator for the Exercise
and Sports Nutrition Clinic at the TWU Institute for Women’s
Health.
Ms. Rogan says
you should be flexible when your days get busy.
“If an office
party will interfere with your usual trip to the gym after
work, then get up early and work out before you go to work
that day,” she said. “Or try abrisk
walk during your lunch break on that particular day.”
She also advises
that you mix up your routine to avoid boredom.
“If you normally
walk or run four days a week, try a cardio class one day,
swimming another day, and weight lifting one day. The variety
may have you looking forward to your workouts,” she
said.
Ms. Rogan says
the holidays are an opportunity to increase your time management
skills. Organizing your day and prioritizing your tasks will
help you find the time to exercise. Make it a priority to
fit in three exercise sessions each week.
She also has the
following recommendations:
• Get
double duty from your shopping by power walking.
Wear your walking shoes when you go to the mall and put in
a few laps before you make your first stop at a store. Keep
your packages in a backpack so your arms are free to pump
as you walk. The extra load from the backpack will help you
burn more calories.
• Combine family time with fitness.
Take a walk with the kids and/or dog. They need the exercise
as much as you do. Rake the leaves together, make a pile,
and everyone jumps in. Then rake them up again.
• Don’t fight the parking. Plan
to park your car in the back of the parking lot when shopping.
You won’t find a close spot up front anyway. This way
you don’t waste time looking for a close parking space,
and the extra walk across the lot will do you good.
• Try a workout routine at home. If
you feel like it’s too cold or too dark to be outside,
exercise at home. Put in an exercise DVD or tune into one
of the fitness channel classes. Better yet, turn up the stereo
and dance for a great workout.
• Give yourself a little slack during the holidays.
After all, it's a time to have fun and be with family and
friends. If you have a rigid attitude toward your diet and
exercise, you may end up just giving up because you've set
the standard too high.
• Get back in the game. If you do fall
off the exercise wagon, there's no reason not to climb back
aboard once your post-holiday routine is established. You'll
find your stride again before you know it.
Media Contact:
Amanda Simpson
Director of News and Information
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: asimpson1@twu.edu |
