Fit in the City - Leigh Ann Root
Keep Exercising Through the Holidays.
Why should you begin exercising or continue exercising through the holiday season? Well, let me count the reasons why.
1. Your body will function better. Give back to the body that supports your soul. Show how thankful you are by exercising it every day. This repeated message of exercise improves your metabolic rate, the rate at which your body burns food. If you eat more around the holidays, this is a nice way to counter balance that overeating. Plus when the holidays are over, you've already developed a healthy habit.
2. Exercise will reduce your stress level. It has been well researched and proven. I can attest to it, personally. Exercise is a better de-stresser and more effective than pills, cigarettes, or other unhealthy avenues taken. There are no negative side effects either. As you move you body, it clears your mind and allows you to prioritize and focus on what is important. Stress leaves your body just like the sweat does. You'll even sleep better!
3. Exercise gives you more energy. I know, it doesn't seem possible. People who do not participate in exercise have a hard time wrapping their minds around such a concept. All they can imagine is the effort it will take. Don't knock it until you try it. You cannot really have an opinion about something until you've actually attempted it.
4. Exercise improves your attitude. It's the ultimate attitude adjustment. When you exercise, you're body releases chemicals that naturally make you feel better. This will lighten your mood and make you cheerier during those holiday gatherings. Attitude is truly everything, it beats any number on the scale, every time!
5. Exercise will, however, help you maintain your weight. It may even help you lose weight, depending on your dedication. Results are, without a doubt, directly linked to a person's effort. You control how much you move, how much you eat, what you eat and how truly responsible you are for your own life.
6. Exercise strengthens not only your muscles and bones, but also your immune system. Be healthy and "cold-free" during this special time of the year, by staying fit. It's easier to enjoy friends and family when you're not under the weather.
7. Exercising through the holiday season will set you up for more success when the new year arrives. Get a jump on your resolution by starting earlier. It's like reading a few chapters before you start a new class. Be a willing student of your own body.
8. Exercise puts life into your time, instead of taking time out of your life. Change your way of thinking. Look at exercise as a way to enhance your life not take you away from it. Being a healthier and happier you, is a true gift to those important people in your life.
9. Exercise improves your health. Who knows, you may even get so healthy that you no longer have to take medication! You can use the extra money, you'll be saving, on gifts for your loved ones!
10. Exercise because you can. Get out of your own way and get the job done. If you're able bodied, remember there are people who are not able to exercise. Many of these people wish they had that option of controlling of their bodies and physical destiny. You are fortunate if you can exercise. Don't waste another day being unhealthy for no reason. Create an improved version of you. I got a great tee shirt over the weekend that sums it up. It reads, "Can't lives on Won't Street". So true!
Remember holidays should be about thankfulness, celebration, love, family and friendships. Don't sweat the little things that go wrong or those things that are out of your control. That's life, it's not perfect. The imperfections are what make it more interesting and many times add the extra flavor to the season.
I invite you to stop by Twisted Fitness for a free work out on Thanksgiving Day. It's our 9th annual Pre-Pig-Out-Workout! Kick off the holiday season by celebrating the body that gets you through your life! We'll be open from 6am until 10am with a fitness class at 8am! Come get rid of some guilt before you gobble.
