Metro Mama

Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Continue or Begin an Exercise Program Duing the Holidays

By Jennifer Rios, Stroller Strides Instructor and Franchisee

As a fitness professional and a person who actually enjoys exercising, I find it hard to believe that the holiday season would be the time of year that people exercise the least. Every year at this time, fitness class attendance gets lower, the gym becomes less crowded, and overall people lose site of their fitness goals.

It is possible to not only remain focused on your fitness goals, but to maybe even exceed them during the holiday season. I'm sure you can think of hundreds of other things to do besides exercise, so I have compiled a list of the Top Ten Reasons Why you should continue or begin an exercise program during the holidays...

1. You will feel GREAT! There are so many benefits to exercise but the best benefit is you feel a greater sense of well-being. You will feel more energetic, more productive and less guilty about having that extra glass of wine with dinner.

2. Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease. Studies have shown that people who maintain a consistent fitness routine reduce the risk of diseases like, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and in some cases, cancer.

3. You will show commitment to yourself. If you can exercise during the holiday season, you will prove to yourself that you are truly committed to your health. This is the hardest time of the year to remain focused...but if you can, think of what a great start to the New Year you will have.

4. You can burn off some of the extra calories that you are consuming. It is common for people to gain weight during the holiday season. If you are exercising regularly, you will be burning additional calories.

5. Exercise is a HUGE stress reliever. The holiday season can be one of the most exciting and stressful times of the year. Fitting exercise into your busy schedule may seem daunting, but a great workout is one of the best ways to reduce both mental and physical stress.

6. You will be modeling GREAT habits for your children. Establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise (even in the busiest times) is a valuable life lesson.

7. Beat the Crowd! If you are thinking about turning over a new leaf at the beginning of 2008...why wait? Start your fitness program now. You will beat the rush of people initiating exercise programs as part of their New Year's resolutions.

8. Stave off depression. The holiday season is the beginning of a long New England Winter, which can sometimes lead to the Winter Blues, or in some cases anxiety and depression. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce these afflictions.

9. Time for yourself. If you are a busy mom like me, you don't get much time to yourself. Enjoy the time when you are working out to think about nothing, to listen to music your kids won't let you listen to, to talk with people you don't usually get to talk to. You get to be a mom all day, take this time for you.

10. Only you can give yourself the gift of good health. You are spending a lot of time worrying about getting the right gifts for your family. Maintaining a consistent fitness routine is good for you! Good for your heart, your lungs, your muscles...your overall well-being. The best gift you can give your family is a HEALTHY you!

Jennifer Rios runs a Stroller Strides franchise in Leominster and is certified to teach both Stroller Strides (stroller fitness classes) and Fit to Deliver (a prenatal fitness classes) For more information email her at jenrios@strollerstrides.net.