Keeping Active During the Christmas Holidays

Christmas can be a time where we over indulge and eat too much of the naughty stuff.

This does not mean however, that we cannot remain active over the Christmas period.

It is possible to stay active over the festive period and I have listed possible options for everyone, young and old. So, there are no more excuses.

Choose at least 2 activities and give them a go. You’ll be surprised how fun they are and how good you’ll feel afterwards.

I am fortunate enough to have experienced Christmas in both hemispheres of the world:

Depending on where you live in the world may well determine what you can do to keep active over the Christmas period.

Therefore, I have broken it down into 2 sections:

• Northern Hemisphere (Winter/Cold)
• Southern Hemisphere and Near the Equator (Warm)

Northern Hemisphere

• The first thing to bear in mind is to wrap up warm if you are going outside. Wear a number of layers and if you get hot, you can take off one layer at a time.
• If you are fortunate to have snow over Christmas, there is lots of fun to be had by all the family. You can build a snow man, have snow-ball fights, or find a small incline or hill and use your imagination to make a sleigh to slide down the hill.
• Walking back up a snowy hill is good exercise too.
• Of course you can decide to go on a skiing or snowboarding holiday. It’s great to go with friends, as a couple or as a family.
• If you live in a cold climate, but have no snow, there is still much to do.
• Many bicycles are purchased as Christmas presents. Why not go for a nice long bike ride in the crisp air, you soon warm up once you get going. If you have purchased bikes for your children, teaching them to ride the bike should keep you fit and warm running along next to them. Alternatively go cycling with the children. If you do not have a bicycle, you can always hire one for the day.
• In England and most of Europe many footballs (soccer balls) will be bought as Christmas presents. Why not challenge your neighbours to a match in the local park. You may need to switch goalkeepers regularly to stop them becoming too cold.
• You can also go for a run in the local park or countryside. Going out in the daytime is ideal to gain some valuable benefits of sunlight such as Vitamin D and avoiding Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome.
• If you go for a run in the dark ensure you take a buddy with you for safety, especially if you are female. It is also prudent to wear reflective clothing if you are running any where near road traffic.
• Swimming is a great activity anytime time of year with indoor heated pools. Whether you swim laps for a good workout or have a good splash around with your children, both will work off those excess calories consumed on Christmas Day.
• Don’t forget most gyms and health clubs will be open over the holiday period. A resistance training workout will help to elevate your metabolic rate and help reduce the excesses from Christmas.
• In England we have January Sales in the shops. Why not go out and spend a day walking around the shops, buying lots of new things (healthy of course). Carrying your purchases with you all day will add to your energy expenditure. This can be exhausting and it’s great to arrive home at the end of the day sit down and have a nice warm drink.
• How about a museum or art gallery if the January Sales are not for you?
• Many people who live in Cities never visit the tourist attractions of their own amazing city. There is so much to explore.

Southern Hemisphere and Near the Equator

Being in a hot climate at Christmas can be great fun too.

Be careful going out in the hot sun. Ensure you use plenty of organic sun cream or cover up with light loose clothing and a sun hat. You should also ensure you stay well hydrated. Always ensure you take enough water with you to last the day.

• In my time in Australia, I would meet friends in the park and have a game of cricket and we would all bring food to eat afterwards and have a nice healthy picnic. If you’ve never tried cricket, give it a go, its good fun or you could play softball or baseball. For safety you may wish to use a tennis ball for these games.
• Frisbee’s are great fun for all the family. A game of Ultimate Frisbee can be enjoyed by those of you who are a little more competitive.
• A day out at a water park is also good for people of any age. There is a variety of activities to be enjoyed by all.
• A day at a Theme Park can also be enjoyed by the whole family and you tend to be walking for most of the day which is great exercise. If you don’t enjoy white knuckle rides, you can watch your children having fun. The walk and sunshine will do you good.
• If you are near the coast, you can find a nice beach. Again, a Frisbee can be great fun, as can a cricket or baseball bat and a tennis ball.
• You may want to try water sports. A boogie board or a 2 person Catamaran can be good activities to begin with. When you become more confident, you may wish to try water skiing, surfing or wind surfing.
• Just taking a nice stroll along the beach or in the country-side can be good exercise and deeply relaxing.
• A bike ride in the countryside can be a great way to exercise, get into nature and enjoy the sunshine. I spent many hours rollerblading in Australia and enjoyed the sun, the views and the exercise.
• Now all you need to do is decide what you are willing to try and off you go.

Enjoy!

In health and happiness,

Leigh Brandon

Disclaimer
No person should rely on the contents of this article. We expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything contained in this article. It is advised that you always follow the advice of your Doctor.

To find out how we can help you further, call us on 0870 486 2470 or email us at info@bodychek.co.uk.