Embrace Festive Fitness: 5 Quick Routines and Tips
by Deon Cecile
It's that time of year when festivities are abundant, chefs and wannabe chefs dust off their aprons, food is plentiful, and your tastebuds whisper repeatedly, "I deserve to have all of this, I've been good all year!" (Even if you haven't been). Or, if you're Jamaican, your tastebuds gonna whisper, "Yuh nuh feel fi sump ting nice?"
Now, you can listen to your tastebuds but remember, "Hips and tummies don't lie, yuh betta listen to them, or yuh waistband ago pop come New Year’s!”
Here's where my quick routines and tips come in handy. You're sure to have some fun while keeping the pounds at bay.
5 Quick Routines
Tip #1 - Gift Wrapping Workout
Make wrapping presents a physical activity by incorporating squats and lunges. Each time you cut the wrapping paper or tie a ribbon, perform a set of squats or lunges. Or utilize your real Santa for squatting.
Tip #2 - Santa Stairmaster
Once you’re done squatting with your presents, it’s time to channel Santa and start delivering those 'fit' vibes. Transform your staircase into a mini workout station. Climb up and down, engaging those leg muscles. Add excitement by pretending you're delivering presents like Santa - it tones your legs and improves cardiovascular health. Don't have stairs? Pretend you do!
"Don’t worry. Calories don’t count on Christmas!" – Southern Living
Tip #3 - Festive Dance Party
Turn up your favorite holiday tunes and dance your way into fitness. Invite friends or family to join – this creates a lively atmosphere, burns calories, and boosts mood and energy.
Tip #4 - Snowflake Stretching
Embrace the winter spirit with gentle stretching exercises resembling snowflakes. Extend your arms and legs in various directions, mimicking the unique shapes of snowflakes - enhances flexibility, reduces stiffness, and increases relaxation.
Tip #5 - Mistletoe Yoga
Find a quiet corner and strike a pose – no mistletoe needed, but flexibility is sexy. Incorporate poses like the Christmas Tree Pose or the Reindeer Pose. Yoga is perfect for reducing stress and improving flexibility. Take a few moments daily to breathe deeply and connect with your body.
However you decide to keep moving this holiday season, mixing in some healthy habits will let you enjoy the festivities to the fullest while still feeling your best.
5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday
Tip #1 - Stay Hydrated
Champagne and rum punch might call your name, but water is your true ride-or-die – don’t ghost it. Stay hydrated! It helps regulate appetite and keeps your energy levels up.
Tip #2 - Savor Mindfully
Enjoy holiday treats in moderation. Savor each bite slowly, and cut yuh eye pass Aunt Dorothy pudding and things - limit your overindulgence.
Tip #3 - Plan Active Gathering
Plan activities that involve movement like a winter hike, backyard dance-off, or a friendly snowball fight. It's a great way to bond with loved ones while staying active and making memories.
Tip #4 - Prioritize Sleep
Ensure you get enough rest during the holiday season. Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being and helps regulate appetite and stress levels. Plus, who wants baggy, black eyes for the new year?
Tip #5 - Gratitude Walks
Take a moment each day for a gratitude walk. Reflect on positive aspects of your life while enjoying a stroll. This simple practice promotes mental well-being and complements your physical activity routine.
Try these tips and let me know which one had you feeling like a holiday fitness pro!
Stay Merry, Stay Moving
Holidays are about joy, good vibes, and nyammings — but that doesn’t mean your fitness has to take a backseat. Use these fun and creative ways to keep active, while remembering to savor your treats mindfully and get enough sleep. Start now so you can face January morning with a grin and no guilt.
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Welcome to my blog, "Penned Inspiration," an expressive hub where I enjoy sharing my inspirations and stories. I am Deon Cecile, a Jamaican Writer, Blogger, and Aspiring Author. This space is dedicated to stories about Women Over 40, Wellness, Lifestyle, Organizing, Decluttering, and pretty much anything that I find fun and inspiring. I invite you to delve into my content today and discover something that may help/inspire you, or make you smile. I hope you enjoy reading and please feel free to leave a comment or idea below, I'd love to hear from you.
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