Easy Ways to Exercise During the Holidays

The holidays usually mean sitting on the dinner table for hours on end, chatting with family and friends, and feasting on a lot of delicious food you probably have been craving all year. However, for many people in the U.S., the holidays also mean overindulging in unhealthy behaviors that is particularly risky for some who are considered high-risk for stroke or heart disease.

The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reports that sedentary behavior can be dangerous. The “sitting disease” accounts for approximately 3 million deaths per year, worldwide.

Doing some simple exercises during the holidays will definitely help improve your overall health. Here are some tips. 

1. Walk

Sounds incredibly simple, doesn’t it? But going for a walk is one of the best things you can do for your overall health! Some use step counters on their mobile or other wearable devices. Aim to do at least 10,000 steps per day.

2. Do some chair exercises

This is a great way to squeeze in some physical activity during the holidays. Do arm curls – with or without weights – as well as some leg-strengthening exercises. Here are some great chair exercises videos.

3. Rake

If there’s still a lot of fallen leaves in your yard, go outside and rake! It is an easy cardio workout which will help you kill 2 birds with one stone – you get a nice workout and your yard will be spotless!

4. Clean your house

Those holiday gatherings can leave your house a mess. Pull out the vacuum to get some physical activity, or pick up those items that the kids left sitting around the living room. This is a great way to incorporate some physical activity in your routine and boost your heart health.

5. Traveling? Plan ahead

This can make all the difference. Here are a few ideas:

• Search for running or walking trails nearby.
• Staying with family? Ask if they have a fitness equipment.
• Talk to your family and brainstorm fun physical activities that you can do together.

Instead of throwing things to the wind this year, try these simple exercises during the holidays that are easy to fit into your jam-packed schedule!

Know that Physicians Premier, your Corpus Christi ER, is open throughout the holidays. You are welcome to give us a call for any health-related questions or concerns!