Smart ways to sneak fitness into your day
With the decadence of holiday food, the need to be active can be especially important at this time of the year.
"Along with the holiday season comes celebrations and parties and lots of food and, what appears as a lack of time for daily physical activity," says Maganga Lumbu, spokesperson for Health Canada. Women need to get moving for about 60 minutes every day to maintain or improve health, she says.
So how can you prevent a slothlike festive season? Integrate physical activity into fun -- and even the not so fun -- holiday activities and chores on your to-do list. Lumbu offers advice on how to get moving and stay well in time for the festivities.
Commit to physical activity
"When you define holiday fun, shift the focus from sedentary activities like television-watching to physical activities that you enjoy with a group." Skiing, snowshoeing, or walking in the park after a snowfall are ideal ways to enjoy outdoor activities.
Take advantage of holiday chores
"For example, take the stairs instead of the escalator when you are shopping and shovel that snow yourself instead of hiring someone; and walk to the neighbours' parties instead of driving."
