Staying active over the break will set you up for a healthy year to come.
The holidays are not an excuse to take a holiday from physical activity. It is an opportunity, for those lucky enough to have some time off, to use their spare time to move more – and more often.
Sometimes, when we’re out of our home environment, the wheels can fall off our exercise routine. Yes, it’s a time to relax and enjoy life, but I strongly encourage you and your family to keep moving, so you can start the new year well.
Here are some tips to keep you more balanced this festive season:
Make exercise social with your friends and family
If you’re having a barbecue this summer, why not take along a cricket set for some backyard cricket, or a rugby ball for a game of touch rugby with everyone? Take the lead for your people and encourage everyone to get involved.
Heading to the beach? Plan ahead for some activity
Make sure you take a frisbee or something to throw around. Better yet, why not go for a walk and then cool off in the ocean or lake. There are some epic spots out there waiting to be discovered by you on foot.
Pack your bike on your summer holiday
Let’s face it, most of us spend enough time in the car during the working week, so ditch it while you have the extra time and get pedaling. Cycling is a two-for-one in transport and exercise. It’s also amazing what you might see when you ride instead of driving.
End of year function/catch-ups
Schedule an early morning physical activity date with a friend the night after a social get-together to make you think twice about that extra drink or second helping.
Christmas festivities
For many of us, Christmas Day involves a lot of feasting, but I encourage you to include some physical activity in the mix to combat the food coma post-eating.
Some of my Christmas favourites include a family tennis tournament, three-on-three basketball games and some volleyball action. Just make sure your uncle doesn’t pull a hammy reliving his youth!
1. Sit on the ground with your knees and hips bent and your heels close to your buttocks. Have your hands by the sides of your hips. Pushing through your hands and feet, lift your pelvis off the ground. Step your right hand and right foot backwards while keeping your buttocks off the ground.
1. With your right leg forward and left leg behind you, lower into a lunge position. Keep your trunk upright and switch on your core by slightly drawing your belly button to your spine. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
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