STRONG IDEA: Seize the Holiday
By Emily Stapleton on September 03, 2013 from Strong Ideas
- If you’re a regular exercisers, you simply need to figure out where your workout will fit in with the rest of your holiday plans. I’m a morning exerciser. On a holiday, I like to sleep a little later than normal, but still get my workout in before the holiday festivities begin.
- Does your work schedule make finding time for exercise difficult? You probably aren’t working on a holiday…so just exercise.
- Is finding childcare your most difficult challenge when it comes to exercising? This is totally me. Often on holidays, other grown-ups are around. Whether it’s your in-laws or your spouse, take this opportunity to take a little time for yourself.
- Don’t like to get up early for a morning workout? You can sleep in a bit and still probably have time for a workout before your lunchtime picnic.
- Don’t belong to a gym? Summer holidays present the perfect opportunity for an outdoor workout…no equipment needed.
- A holiday is a great time to try a new workout. If you normally lift weights, consider a run. If you’re a runner, how about a bike ride?
- On the other hand, your favorite workout can also be perfect on a holiday. Me? I’m a runner and on a holiday I like to go for a leisurely run with no plan for pace or specific distance.
- Your workout can be quick. Even a 10-minute walk in the morning will improve your mood and probably lead to healthier choices all day.
- Your workout can be really long. If you don’t have plans until later in the day (or don’t have plans at all), a holiday can be the perfect time to exercise without the constraints of a schedule. Take a long bike ride or run at a slower pace for a longer time.
- Warm-up by walking or jogging for 5 minutes
- Perform a series of stretches.
- Think about stretching from head to toe
- Hold each stretch for 3 deep breaths
- Run or walk 3 minutes
- 1 minute basic squats
- Run or walk 3 minutes
- 1 minute basic plank
- Run or walk 3 minutes
- 1 minute lunges (alternating legs)
- Run or walk 3 minutes
- 10 Push-ups
- Run or walk 3 minutes
- 1 minute high jumps
- Run or walk 3 minutes
- Repeat this series up to 3 times
- Jog or Walk 5 minutes (lower intensity to cool down)
- Stretch for about 10 minutes
- Hold stretches for 3 deep breath
- Stretch from head to toe
- End with 3 deep, relaxing breaths