The Gift of Fitness
by Janice Litvin
Now that Thanksgiving Day is behind us, and holiday ads abound, what is your strategy for keeping fit throughout the holiday season? Do you walk? Do you belong to a gym? If not, do you have a fitness strategy?
The holidays are fraught with all kinds of emotions, from highs to lows, including the stress of shopping, travel, and the onslaught of family visitors. Research now shows that exercise, in addition to strengthening your body, strengthens your mind and creates a positive mood state.
Give yourself the gift of fitness this holiday season. If you have not yet begun your exercise regimen, get out and walk. Yes, the weather is cold and rainy, but you can still walk. Treat yourself to a rain suit, and call a friend. When holiday shopping, park far from the entrance to the mall. It will increase your step count, and diminish parking lot stress. Register for one of the many ongoing community center exercise classes. Did you know you can pro-rate some of the classes through the Walnut Creek Recreation Division?
Try not to let the excuse of being busy interfere with taking care of your mind and body during this holiday season. Do things differently this year. Stay fit!
My shining hope is that everyone will maintain their fitness levels throughout this holiday season so that come January 1st, you won't have to climb the frustrating stairway to fitness resolutions.
Janice Litvin is a Fitness Educator and can be reached at www.ZumbaContraCosta.com
