Christmas-Time Cardio

By: Andrew Mayer, Trainer at Accelerate

As the New Year approaches, the weather will continue to turn and, just like you, my inclination will be to stay inside and keep warm. Unfortunately, my family stocks the pantry and refrigerator with comfort food and soda. To make matters worse, the couch is perfectly situated next to the fire place and, believe it or not, occupies the space directly in front of the television. So before you can say “I triple dog dare you” I am half way through a box of Cheez-Its, throwing back my second Pepsi, and laughing at Ralphie’s dad and his fish net leg lamp (A Christmas Story).

Now I am all for enjoying the season with friends and family watching the classics, but it’s important to avoid starting bad habits, especially this time of year when it is the easiest to do. As difficult as it is to get adequate sunlight this time of year, it is important to make an effort to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

Even with snow on the ground there are plenty of ways to get in that off-day cardio. You can visit some parks and go sledding. Be purposeful about walking those hills! You could shovel your driveway AND your neighbors. They will remember when summer rolls around and your grass needs cut! Give ice-skating a try, or head over to Hidden Valley and try your skills at skiing or snowboarding (some of the best leg workouts I’ve experienced).

Always remember safety first in these weather conditions and make the best out of the season. This is a chance to mix up those off-day exercises so your cardio doesn’t become mundane. Substitute something fun and be creative. Trying new things will help your motivation and push you through the winter season.

Three Effective Strategies to Keep Your Body in Shape!

Isn't it crazy that it’s early December?

Wow! 2010 has flown ...

Thanksgiving is already behind us ... and Christmas just a few short weeks away.

But here’s some news -- the holidays don’t make you fat like most people think. You’ve heard the stats ... people eat about 4500 calories on Thanksgiving alone! But is it’s not the holidays themselves that are tough; it’s the days in between those holidays.

Thanksgiving is 1 day. Christmas is 1 day.

But the leftovers last for days. Holiday parties, food gifts, alcohol, etc. It all adds up. A lot.

It’s not too late to keep working towards your goals, though (or start working on them if you haven’t yet).

These 3 Simple, but Effective Strategies make it easy to keep your body (or get your body) in incredible shape BEFORE January 1st! Here’s the best part -- none of them give you the annoying advice like “just don’t be tempted by it and eat it.” They’re real. They’re practical. And they’re effective.

1. Don’t let the foods touch on your plate. Weird, I know. Why does it work? It’s a simple strategy to help you serve less ... and serving less means less calories, sugar, and fat. And that means less belly fat. Simple, yet effective.

2. Eat with your non dominant hand. Isn’t it the worst when all you hear from family and friends is “when are you going to stop this health kick -- it’s the holidays, lighten up for once.” Well here’s a way they don’t even have to know you’re eating clean ... eat with your non dominant hand. Again, weird. I get it. Why does it work? It slows you down. When you slow down what you’re eating, you eat less. And when you eat less, you continue to fit into the clothes you want to, feel better, and look better. Simple , yet effective.

3. Dress the part. Yup, not even food related. A woman in our boot camp tried this -- she fit in to her skinny jeans after working hard to change -- and she wore them to Thanksgiving dinner. She not only looked incredible, but she also had to be more conscious of what she ate and drink because they didn’t allow her to go overboard. Opt for something more fitted to help control your intake. Guys, I’d pass on the skinny jeans, but also lay off the warm ups for once that give you room to ‘expand.’

Let me ask you, are you 340 days closer to your goals that you set on January 1, 2010? You should be.

This Article was written by our friend Chris at Mean Plans 101