The Holiday Season is in full swing! It can be so easy to tell yourself “I will work on my weight loss, health, and fitness goals after the holidays” – but I promise you don’t want to do that, because I know you will wake up on January 2nd saying – “I wish I would have started a month ago!”. Today I remind you to just do it.
Make exercise and eating right a priority for you – for your health and your well-being. I know how difficult it can be when life gets busy, but you won’t ever regret a workout or good nutrition – I promise!
It’s funny – a few years ago when I was working in a fitness center and used flexx supplements, I remember a member telling me “You people who work here don’t know how hard it can be to workout in “real life” – and I thought to myself – I am in real life. I have a kid and I work just like everyone else. So what if I work at a gym? Sure, It does make it a little easier to hop on the treadmill…but really it is still me needing to make the time.”
Well I can tell you I was WRONG, and she was RIGHT. Being in “real life” having other responsibilities and not having access to a treadmill right outside your office does make it a whole lot more challenging to “fit it in” – especially when times are busy. But the truth is – if it is important to you it can be done.
The good news is – you do not need to spend hours (or even a full hour) at the gym to reap the benefits. A 20 – 30 minute workout at the right intensity can be just as effective, and some trainers will even say this can be even more effective (again at the right intensity).
My challenge to you is to make your exercise a priority this holiday season. Set a goal to get in 20 – 30 minutes a day. That is it. Make it count.
Over the weekend I was in New Orleans for my brothers engagement party. I knew I wanted to get a run in before getting dressed for the party, but after spending almost 3 hours in the car to get there and dealing with my 2 kids I was pretty tired and time was limited. However, I knew I had about 30 minutes to do SOMETHING. My brother and I decided to go for a run – and to get more “bang for our buck” I suggested we do sprints – he then added topped my suggestion by throwing in a few hills. Our workout was only 22 minutes but I tell you it was intense!
Not only did we have a great workout and in such a short time, but I was also able to TALK with my brother about his upcoming wedding and new house (in between the sprints when recovering :). The time spent alone to just visit was worth it!
This holiday season make your fitness the gift you give YOURSELF. Also, consider asking a spouse, sibling, friend, or co-worker to join you for a workout instead of a lunch date or after work cocktails. Not only does this nourish a healthier body – but the time you spend together will nourish your relationship and in honesty this is what the holiday season should be about.
On that note, my husband and I have decided we are going to start working out together in the evening at home. I am personally a little nervous about the time management of taking care of kiddos – but he promises to chip in and our 6 year old is really excited as she will be in our living room with us coaching and cheering us on! As for the baby, I am hopeful that she will be well fed before and will enjoy just taking it all in.
Have a great day!
P.S. Today I discussed the importance of exercise because I find that when times get busy and stressful that if we continue to make exercise a priority then we generally are more mindful with our nutrition and food choices. Exercise reduces stress, increases happy hormones, and helps clear your mind – just do it!
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