Fit for the Fall

Laurel Noel | Club Director | Club at Chesterfield

Halloween is almost upon us which means “the eating season” is here.  We start with October 31, next comes Thanksgiving and then the rush of holiday parties.  As busy as we are during the holidays, it is vital to our mental and physical health that we stick to our fitness goals or even begin a workout program.  While that may be easy to say, how do we actually achieve it?

1. Make it a priority!  To have healthy teeth and gums, we brush our teeth everyday, right?  Same for your overall health—some type of fitness activity should be part of your life every single day.   Plan it in your day; and if your day goes awry, sneak 15 or 20 minutes in somehow.
2. Do it with a friend.  Studies have shown when you workout with a friend or in a group setting, you are more likely to stick with your program.  Not only that, you will push each other to sweat a little harder!  That is also why  many people prefer working out in a class environment.  The music, the social atmosphere and the positive feedback is fun and motivating.
3. Find something you really enjoy doing.  If you hate running on a treadmill but you have one in your basement, chances are it will remain a coat rack.  Join a gym and take a class or play a game of racquetball.  Grab your kids and play a game of kickball in the back yard.  There are so many great fitness options and fun activities out there, you have no excuse to get moving.  If you are uncomfortable joining a gym, visit several and get a guest pass to try it for a week.
4. Break your fitness up into increments if you don’t have 30 to 45 minutes at one time.  Sometimes, I will do 10 minutes of jumping jacks in my living room, make breakfast and then do lunges for 15 minutes.  I also make housecleaning a cardio and toning workout.  When I vacuum I wear a resistance band on my ankles to work my legs or if I am carrying groceries I do bicep curls out to my car (that really embarrasses my kids!)  Or if I am washing windows I will do one-legged squats.  I am firm believer that every little bit helps!

Finally, remember this is for you and your loved ones.  Exercise is not just about losing weight or toning up; it is about feeling good about yourself, relieving stress, sleeping better at night, and having more energy.  And we all need that during holiday time and beyond!  Be good to yourself- GET AND STAY MOVING!

To learn more, visit The Club at Chesterfield web site.