We are about to enter the holiday period where our typical schedules will be placed on hold. Over the past two years, I think we have all learned how important self care is in times of heightened stress, both for ourselves and for those who count on us. Just when we thought the coast was clear, we are ending 2021 with a mixed bag of emotions. Although this time with more optimism as more vaccinations are taking place, our knowledge is more complete and we have strengthened our resilience to handle what comes our way.
As we close off 2021 in the next week or so, I wanted to share some tips on striking a good wellness balance during this time. As well, to enhance your holiday fitness schedule, I will be offering some Glow Fit taped classes ranging in length of class and style. So keep reading for the tips and details on classes.
Tip One: keeping active and not throwing in the towel while you are on holiday has some great benefits. Science is once again backing up exercise - a recent exciting study shows that exercise decreases appetite after the body becomes warm from the movement. The study concludes, “that body temperature can act as a biological signal that regulates feeding behaviour, just like hormones and nutrients do.” Many health professionals would suggest that setting exercise goals in times of struggle is an absolute must. Experts in the health field at the Mayo Clinic recently published an article titled, Get Moving to Manage Stress. This article outlines the phenomenal connection between the chemical release of endorphins during exercise and a positive mood boost. They explained, “as you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you stay calm, clear and focused in everything you do.”
So how to make this happen when our routines are so different?
Whether or not you are in a regular exercise pattern - movement will enhance your holiday not take away from it. This might be a good time to see what new movement speaks to you while you have more flexibility in your day - no commitments!! 24 hours is a long day to fill wherever that may be.
If you are having a stay-cation or travelling - don’t feel selfish if you take an hour out of your holiday for a workout. You will savour the time alone to recharge and the people around you will enjoy their alone time too while you slip away. There are so many virtual options to do at home or away! If you are travelling throw a band in your suitcase to add some simple body resistance exercise - its fast and effective and can be done in a small space. Walk or run the the streets or perhaps the beach! Don't let the cold weather stop you from taking a walk - bundle up and walk no matter the weather - cold weather walks can even come with a metabolic boost!
The lists of benefits exercise will have to enhance your holiday are endless - you will even be able to sit and read that amazing book you have been waiting to read on your holiday because you will have more focus after your exercise. So keep thinking good movement during your break from regular routine and you won't regret the gift of elevated endorphins creating a happier you that comes your way.
Tip Two: to make the holidays better and more fully enjoyable, just focus on the fact that some holiday season food indulgences don't have to lead to a complete write-off for your eating and exercise plan. It's quite a time of year to challenge your willpower when it comes to enjoying holiday sweets and meals. We are all in the same boat! One thing I have learned to navigate with age and knowledge is that I am not hard on myself about enjoying the holiday eating - but the days when I do let go just a little too much and overdo the quantity of both alcohol and food often leave me feeling less than my best. On occasion, it can even leave me with compromised physical feelings like a possible migraine headache or a disturbed sleep which effects my energy the following day. You might be nodding your head having shared similar experiences. So, as you navigate these festive days, don’t let a night or two of enjoying a little too much sugar or some not-so-healthy food throw you off track. If you have been on track with your eating and exercise, these days of enjoyment won't affect your goals long term.
Have a game plan of how to approach meals. Keep whole foods filling your plate, like high fibre vegetables to keep you feeling full, protein on your plates for snacks and meals to keep your blood sugar balanced and good fats to help your body make the most of the nutrients in your food. If you keep your eating balanced, you will be less likely to overdo it on the sweets at your holiday party or dinner. And, if you do get off track, always remember each day is a new day to get back on track.
The bottom line with approaching healthy eating and movement is to strike a balance and enjoy doing it! We are all striving to create a long term well balanced lifestyle and life will no doubt keep throwing many curve balls to our routines. When we get motivated to show up as our best selves we will be motivated to strike the balance for life!
I want to wish you all balance and the best of good health and happiness in 2022. As well, I want to express my gratitude to current clients and anyone who has joined in a Glow Fit experience in class or reading a blog post on my website over the past year. I am grateful to you for the opportunity to share my passion for fitness and healthy living in an interactive platform. The comradery of strong women who have come together to keep building strength has been truly inspirational and has enhanced my life! My highs have been hearing from clients who are feeling the empowerment from the combo of exercise and meditation. I am thrilled that a sense of community has proven possible with the online format. I am grateful for my newly formed relationships and that Glow Fit members are getting to know each other from our pre and post chats in our zoom locker room. I am energized daily by our time together and I look forward to enhancing our journey together in 2022.
Finally, Glow Fit live classes are off from Dec 23-January 1, but I will be providing the following Holiday Package of 4 taped workouts over the holidays.
The package includes:
One 30 minute class with band/pilates ball or hand towel
One 30 minute class with no props - just body weight
One 55 minute typical glow fit class with weights - a five minute guided meditation
One 55 minute stability ball class with a five minute guided meditation
You will be able to use the classes at your convenience until they expire at the end of the day on January 1, 2022.
These classes will be available on the website for purchase starting today, December 19th. I will start to send out package of classes at the end of the day on December 22nd. Please message me with any questions regarding this package.
Comentarios