Exercise Articles

Tips to “Fit in” Fitness This Holiday Season

The months of November and December can be two of the busiest months for many people. From holiday entertaining to endless shopping, and from visiting friends and family to all of that food, it is very easy to get off track when it comes to your diet and exercise.

But your exercise regimen doesn't have to falter just because it's the holiday season. Use the following tips to help keep on track when it comes to fitness this year:

Instead of taking that leisurely stroll through the mall when you do your Christmas shopping turn that stroll into a power walk.

Take the stairs while you are at the mall instead of using the elevator or escalator.

Park in the lower lot of the mall and get that extra exercise by walking a little further to the mall.

Invite your house guests on a brisk walk with you so you can spend quality time with them and still get your exercise in.

Ehow.com suggests setting a creative goal like walking a mile for every $10 you spend on gifts.

Sign up for a holiday race or event. Many cities have Turkey Trots or Jingle Bell Runs which can easily become annual family traditions.

Bundle up your family and take a tour of your neighborhood holiday lights by foot or bike instead of just sitting in the car.

Add workout clothes or gear to your Christmas wish list. Everyone knows that if you look good, you feel good and are more apt to get in a good sweat at the gym.

While these are only a few tips to help you keep fit over the holidays, these are definitely a jump start in the right direction.

Spruce Up Your Exercise Routine: What to Get and What to Ditch for a Switch in Your Regimen

Now is the perfect time to change up some of those old worn-out items and routines that you have been stuck with for so long in exchange for a spruced up exercise routine. Changing things up not only keeps them fresh for you (which in turn helps you stick to them) but also benefits your body.

This is a handy list of “what to ditch” to make the exercise switch:

Get rid of that cheap pedometer- Instead buy a good $20 one that counts accurate steps; cheaper pedometers are highly inaccurate.

Ditch the old running shoes- Instead opt for a new pair and keep track of how much “mileage” you get out of them. Typically if you run/walk 10 miles per week then shoes can last for 12 months (15 miles : 8 months, 20 miles : 6 months, 30 miles : 4 months).

Throw out the old cotton workout t-shirt- Instead invest in some shirts that are made of wicking fabrics. Wicking fabrics (like synthetics) do a better job of keeping you drier and cooler when you are exercising.

Get an exercise ball- According to fitnessmagazine.com, exercise balls are good for developing balance and stability while making it easier to target specific trouble spots. It may be hard to not roll off at first, but once you get the hang of it there are a number of exercises that you can do on a fitness ball including pushups, squats and sit-ups.

Toss the lightweight dumbbells- Instead try heavier dumbbells that are more challenging in your workout. Making small changes and gradual increases in weight may not seem like a big deal but will make a difference in the effectiveness of your workouts.

Try a resistance band- Work out your chest, biceps, triceps, abs, and shoulders better by using resistance bands. With their varying levels of resistance and their extreme versatility, resistance bands are suited to most fitness programs and people of most ages. They add resistance and challenge to a normal fitness routine.

Quick Fitness Fixes: Easy Ways to Fit Fitness In

Tired of feeling like the path to health and wellness is a long, drawn out path? Then start small! Use these quick five minute fixes to boost your health and to reach your goals one step at a time!

Wear a pedometer to determine the distance you walk each day. Shoot for 10,000 steps per day. If you aren't reaching that goal, add an extra mile to your routine or take the steps instead of the escalator whenever possible.

Add jumping to your exercise routine : also known as plyometric moves : to build muscle and improve your bone density. Try jump squats or scissor lunges in your next routine.

Spend the extra money to purchase good work out necessities : clothing, shoes, bras, supports, etc. Purchasing the better brands versus going the cheaper route will ensure that you use them and that they are the best for your workout.

Edgeboston.com says to break up your workouts into 10 minute spurts. Daily recommendation is at least 30 minutes a day of moderately intense exercise, but it doesn't have to all be done at once. Any sort of physical activity counts as exercise, and little bits of it throughout the day really add up.

Don't be a creature of habit. Switch up your routines, walking routes, gym machines and even what days you do specific workouts. Change is good when it comes to exercise and fitness.

Consider the other ways that you can lose weight without really trying : clean the house and burn 200 calories or work in the garden and burn 272 calories.

Even if you have to travel or spend all day in a car or on a plane, still try to fit in physical activity. Take advantage of bathroom breaks by stretching and doing some light exercise. Walk briskly through the airport in between flights if traveling by plane.

Use downtime- Readersdigest.com suggests that anytime you're cooling your heels during the day-waiting to meet a companion at the mall or staring at the download bar- look for opportunities to take a short walk, do toe raises or perform some other physical movement.

Yoga has many healthy benefits for your body and your mind. Even if you are a novice, take a class and try something different.

Work out with your significant other or a friend or family member. This allows you to be a spotting partner for one another or just spend some quality time together working out.

Making the Most of your Summer: Why Not Give These Outdoor Activities a Whirl?

Walking, swimming, and playing outdoor sports are all great ways to get your daily amount of exercise, but why not try some new outdoor activities this summer? According to MSNBC, recreational pursuits such as biking, hiking and inline skating allow you to reap up to six times more fat-blasting and body-shaping benefits that cruising around the neighborhood on foot.

Mix up your routine by trying one or more of the following exhilarating activities and enjoy the weather while it lasts while achieving a firmer and fitter body by September.

Rock climbing: Although this sport requires the assistance of a professional, most people do not realize the amount of physical strength it takes to participate in rock climbing. Find an experienced rock climber in your area, and give it a shot. Before you know it, you'll get the “hang” of it and will wonder why it took you this long to try it out.

Inline skating: Not only does inline skating getting you around more quickly it is also a fun and different way to sculpt your buns and thighs without pounding your knees. Skating is much less jarring than other high-intensity sports like jogging. It's also a way to relax and empty your mind while burning nearly 800 calories an hour. Try practicing in your driveway or an empty parking lot to start out with. You may also want to check out your local inline skating resource center for route ideas and trails.

Water skiing: While water skiing is a sport that you may need to work up to, there is no time like the present to give it a try. Water skiing is a fun water sport, where you use a wide variety of muscles to participate in it and therefore it is a great summertime sport for someone looking for something new to try out.

Snorkeling: If you are heading to the beach or if you live at the beach, pick up a mask and snorkel and get ready for a good time and a great exercise. Not only will you see some pretty amazing things below the water's surface, but you will also be getting a great aerobic workout without even realizing it.

Kayaking: For those of you who live by bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, kayaking is a challenging yet peaceful way to experience the earth and get a good workout as well. Kayaking can burn up to 340 calories per hour and helps to sculpt your upper body by the resistance created by pulling the paddle against the water. It also works your shoulders, triceps, biceps, back and core. Beginners should use an open kayak and take a lesson or two to learn how to escape from the kayak before taking it to open waters. While kayaking make sure to take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Yoga and Pilates: Not all summertime sports have to be extreme summertime sports. Instead, buy a book or take a class on yoga and/or pilates and get started on your own path to holistic healing and exercise. Yoga and pilates can be done in the comforts of your home or your gym, but it can also be done outdoors where nature itself will serve as your calming background.

Yard sports: Not all outdoor exercises or sports have to be organized. Shooting hoops with your family, friends or neighbors is a great way to get your exercise outdoors. Play a game of wiffleball or baseball with the neighborhood. Pick up a tennis racket and hit the local courts. Any outdoor sport that keeps your heart rate up and keeps you moving, is a great way to get your work out in.

So, whether you decide to take up a new hobby like water skiing or rock climbing, or if you and the local neighborhood kids have a pick-up game of wiffleball or kick ball, there are plenty of ways to get your exercise in and still enjoy your summer.

Remember to drink lots of water and keep hydrated in whatever outdoor exercise you take part in and have a good time outdoors!