brigidsblog.com

All it takes is 30 minutes of physical activity a day for most people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but staying active during the holidays can be a challenge. Holiday parties, delicious food, hectic schedules and endless “to do” lists often leave little time for ‘life’ let alone exercise. What if you could find fun and easy ways to fit fitness into your holiday schedule? This holiday season Virgin Life Care, a member of Sir Richard Branson’s world-renowned Virgin group, offers the following tips to turn holiday shopping into the ultimate workout.

    1. Brave the Mall: While Internet shopping offers convenience, the mall offers endless ways to get up and going. During this holiday season, get off the sofa and brave the mall instead of shopping online. Power walk from store to store, press through those crowds and build muscle  carrying that toaster oven for Aunt Nancy and that MP3 player for Cousin Ralph!

    2. Walk, Don’t Ride: One of the easiest ways to fit 30 minutes of activity into your holiday shopping routine is to walk rather than ride.  If you live in the city or close to your local shopping center, leave the car at home and walk there and back.  If you have to drive, park farther away from the store entrance and walk the rest of the way.  You’ll not only burn calories and build muscle, you’ll also save money on gas — use those extra dollars to treat yourself to something special (something healthy of course)!

    3. Avoid the Easy Way Up: Convenience is not your friend – activity is!  While you are out shopping make every effort to take the stairs instead of the escalator or the elevator.  Carrying items weighing 25 lbs or more up a flight of stairs is considered “vigorous activity” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Take the stairs anywhere and everywhere — in the subway, at the mall and in the parking garage.

    4. Pack a Healthy Snack: While activity is key to living healthy, nutrition is equally important.  When you are on the hunt for the perfect gift why not bring along a nutritious “snack pack” instead of eating fatty fast food at the food court?  A tote filled with an apple, trail mix, baby carrots, and a bottle of water will give you the energy you need to maneuver those crowded aisles.

    5. Give the Gift of Activity: Encourage those around you to get healthy and active by giving the gift of activity.  Give your sister a six-month health club membership.  Buy your brother a set of boxing gloves.  Rekindle your parents’ passion for disco with dance lessons.

       Physical activity comes in many shapes and forms so you can find fun ways for all of your friends and family to get active and healthy!