As the holiday season draws near, many people are beginning to plan for the most wonderful time of the year. With Christmas decorations going up and festive foods becoming more prevalent, exercise is often pushed aside in favor of indulgence and relaxation. As active agers, we need to remember that exercising during the holidays can help to manage stress, prevent excessive weight gain, and improve overall health. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at exercising and the Christmas season.

Research has shown that exercise has numerous benefits, especially during the holiday season. For example, physical activity can assist in reducing stress and anxiety, which can help to improve overall mood and reduce the risk of developing depression. Exercise can also help to regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly important for people who are living with diabetes.

What Types of Exercise Are Best?

When it comes to exercising during the Christmas season, there are no specific types that are considered "the best." Instead, the key is to find a type of exercise that you enjoy and that fits into your schedule. For example, some people may prefer to go for a walk outdoors, while others may enjoy more strenuous activities such as running, elliptical use, group exercise classes, and resistance training.

Tips for Staying Active

Here are a few tips for ensuring that you stay active during the Christmas season:

1. Set a goal: Whether it is to maintain your weight or improve your fitness level, setting a goal can help to keep you motivated and focused on your exercise routine.

2. Plan ahead: With so many events and social gatherings taking place during the holidays, it's important to plan ahead so that you can make time for exercise.

3. Get creative: If you find that your regular exercise routine is getting boring, try mixing things up with different types of workouts or exercises.

4. Stay accountable: Whether it is by working out with a partner or being trained by a personal trainer, holding yourself accountable can help to ensure that you stay on track with your exercise routine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Christmas season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it is important to remember that exercise should still be an important part of your daily routine. With a bit of planning, creativity, and dedication, you can stay on track with your fitness goals while still enjoying all that the holiday season has to offer. So go ahead and indulge a little, but remember to stay active and healthy.