Create your own healthy holiday traditions
Many people experience cabin fever during the winter months, craving fresh air and activity. That can be double trouble when people struggle to keep their weight down amid all the extra calories.
"It's so important in the winter to find ways to learn to embrace the weather and get outside," trainer Naomi Chavez said. "If you really can't do that, there are still so many ways that you can get out and about with your family to stay active."
Chavez says that by turning physical activities into holiday family traditions, you can keep the excitement of the holidays while still staying active.
"One of my favorite holiday traditions that a lot of cities are picking up is a Christmas-themed fun-run. It's a marathon, half-marathon, or 5K that operates just like any other, but everyone dresses up in crazy Christmas sweaters and Santa outfits and they give out hot chocolate, things like that, at the finish line. It's just a fun, festive way to stay active."
While not everyone can run a marathon, the idea of turning physical activity into something festive can translate to any number of things.
"Especially for people who live in a neighborhood, taking a walk every night to look at Christmas lights can be a really fun incentive for the kids to get away from the computer to go out for a while."
Of course, Clarksville residents have an added incentive to get out and walking.
"When the Riverwalk is lit for the season, it's such a fun way to get out and get some fresh air," Chavez said. "It feels like you're taking in the lights, doing something fun for the holidays, but you're really getting in some decent exercise and working off that extra piece of pie."
Turning normal holiday events into something active is not only good for you physically, but mentally as well. By switching up your routine and allowing yourself fresh air, you can look forward to an added boost of productivity when you do head back into the office.
"It's always good for business when people are allowed to take a short walk on their lunch break."
One of the best ways to get exercise during the winter months is probably already on your to-do list, anyway.
"Shopping is surprisingly active as long as you keep moving and try to take stairs instead of escalators," Chavez said. "Just think of all the weight you're carrying in those bags!"
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