Allison Duxbury is an AFFA qualified fitness professional with over 15 years experience in group and personal training. After many years travelling the world with her husband Rod, an officer in the British Army, they returned to her roots in Connecticut to bring up their young family and start her business: FitFocused. Three years later, the business is thriving and her clients range from 9-year-old competitive Irish Dancers to an octogenarian veteran. Reach Allie at 860.304.9899 or fitfocused.com
First, there were the holiday feasts. Now we have Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day treats to battle. Not to mention all the winter weekend gatherings filled with comfort food.
Most of us are about ready to give up and join the rest of the natural world in hibernation. Even those who do have a consistent workout schedule may start to find themselves falling behind. However, the arrival of winter is absolutely no excuse to put away the sneakers and yoga pants.
Try some creative ways to get out all that energy you’re storing up!
Exercise doesn’t have to mean facing the bitter cold head on. Give indoor fitness a try. Yoga is a slow- paced exercise that can easily be done in the familiarity of your own home. It helps improve flexibility, strength, and posture all at once. If you need something a bit faster, try blending a few other elements into your routine; jump rope, jumping jacks, push ups, lunges, and squats will all do the trick.
If you are itching to get into the open air, go for it! As long as you keep well hydrated and properly layered, running in the wintery outdoors may be just the thing to keep you going until the weather warms up.
Why not make it social? Joining exercise classes is a great way to keep yourself going through the winter cold. Working out with friends means you’ll have a better chance of sticking with it. Encourage each other, and spring will be here in no time.
As for all the social gatherings, keep these simple tips in mind.
Decide what’s worth it: Avoid anything high in fat or calories that isn’t your favorite. Save your calories for something you’ll really enjoy.
Don’t arrive starving: Before you go, grab a carb and protein mix to keep your willpower in place. Try an apple and peanut butter, a few nuts and yogurt, or turkey and hummus. Eat something that is about 150 to 200 calories as a pre-party snack.
Snack smart: Gravitate to the veggie tray and munch away …
Drink up: Have a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage. That will prevent you from consuming too many empty calories.
No matter how you choose to beat the winter laziness and blues, I’m confident you’ll be thanking yourself for it later on. Mindful eating and exercise will keep you happy and healthy until Spring.