Walking a great start to keeping fit during the Holidays
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Can you believe it is November already?
Have you started scurrying to and fro? Are your days filling up with too many demands and not enough time?
Exercise and good eating habits are among the first casualties of the holiday season unless you approach this time of year with a plan. The goal of this column is to motivate, encourage and challenge you to lead a healthier life. Also to help you find ways to fit exercise into your life and ultimately to enjoy the benefits of a fit lifestyle.
Let's start with a small plan of action that can be implemented immediately, as in today, right now! Something that is easy, inexpensive and starts providing benefits right away. A routine that doesn't require a huge time commitment or a special venue. There are no special skills needed or athletic ability required.
Walking is the one activity that can deliver on all counts. Walking provides tremendous benefits and is low cost in terms of equipment and time. It can be a social time or time spent in quiet contemplation. A comfortable pair of shoes is the only "equipment" required.
Here are some tips to get you started:
* Try varying your route or location to keep things interesting.
* An iPod or headphones can keep you moving to the beat.
* Drink plenty of water before, during and after.
* If exercise is new for you, start off with 10 minutes and increase your time 2-3 minutes a week.
* Meeting a friend will often keep you from talking yourself out of going.
* Exercise is cumulative throughout the day. If you can't carve out an hour, break it up into 10-15 minute segments throughout your day.
* Weather is not an excuse since we all have access to the mall or perhaps a treadmill.
* Keep an extra set of workout clothes and shoes in your car so you can't use the excuse "I forgot my stuff".
* Keep a journal. Many people find that writing down their mileage, how they felt, what the weather was like, setting new goals etc. helps keep them motivated.
* Keep reading this column for more ideas on fitting exercise into your day!
This holiday season carve out the time necessary to achieve your fitness goals and plan exercise into your day. Treat it as an appointment that can't be missed. It is an investment in your health and needs to be a high priority in your life.
Start today, not tomorrow or next week. Today is the day to start.
Melissa Bagnall graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Physical Education. She holds certifications in Personal Training and Group Fitness Exercise from AFAA, and a Senior Fitness from American Senior Fitness Association. She has coached for more than 35 years. Email your questions to: fitnesolutions@hotmail.com.
Always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
Comments
Thank you, Melissa, for writing this article! I am such a HUGE believer in walking that I recently wrote a report about eleven programs to help you reach and sustain taking a very beneficial 10,000 steps per day. Victoria Advocate readers can get it at no charge by going to http://www.SpryFeet.com/Reports/. -- Kirk Mahoney, Ph.D.
November 25, 2009 at 9:40 a.m.Walking is an Awesome way to keep fit! Just getting out into nature is good for the soul, and one never knows who they may run into.
November 2, 2009 at 8:58 p.m.