Winter fitness: Tips to keep active during the holiday season

The day after Thanksgiving is likely a day filled with shopping and eating leftovers,but working outis unlikely to bea priority.

Staying on track with exercise this winter will keep you from making that common New Year’s resolution of losing weight.

“The important thing is to stay consistent, if you’re not consistent in the winter time, come summer time you’re starting all over again,” said YMCA fitness director Jo Lawrence.

Cold temperatures make it easy to skip the gym, but “If you don’t want to leave your house, ten minutes of exercises three times a day like running up your stairs, using push-ups and pull-ups are easy ways to stay active,” added Lawrence.

The YMCA offers the popular cross-fit class for those who like a challenge. Cross-fit instructor Scott Hanson described the class as.full body movements performed at a high intensity.

“It combines a lot of different aspects of fitness into one workout such as strength, power, speed, endurance, flexibility so it’s more efficient and it’s fun because it’s varied. There’s a lot of different movements you use.” Said Hanson.

Pulling 80-pound sand bags or pulling ropes with 135 pounds of weight attached aren’t exercises for everyone. The Apple Athletic Club in Idaho Falls offers a new class for all age levels, Tai-Chi.

It’s the ancient Chinese martial art practiced as a graceful form of exercises. A series of movements are performed in a slow, focused manner The day after Thanksgiving is likely a day filled with shopping and eating leftovers, and working out isn’t a priority.

Staying on track with exercise this winter will keep you from making that common New Year’s resolution of losing weight.

“The important thing is to stay consistent, if you’re not consistent in the winter time, come summer time you’re starting all over again,” said YMCA fitness director Jo Lawrence.

Cold temperatures make it easy to skip the gym, but “If you don’t want to leave your house, ten minutes of exercises three times a day like running up your stairs, using push-ups and pull-ups are easy ways to stay active,” added Lawrence.

The YMCA offers the popular cross-fit class for those who like a challenge. Cross-fit instructor Scott Hanson described the class as.full body movements performed at a high intensity.

“It combines a lot of different aspects of fitness into one workout such as strength, power, speed, endurance, flexibility so it’s more efficient and it’s fun because it’s varied. There’s a lot of different movements you use.” Said Hanson.

Pulling 80-pound sand bags or pulling ropes with 135 pounds of weight attached aren’t exercises for everyone. The Apple Athletic Club in Idaho Falls offers a new class for all age levels, Tai-Chi.

It’s the ancient Chinese martial art practiced as a graceful form of exercises. A series of movements are performed in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing.

Whether you’re young or old, new to fitness or a work out fanatic consistency this season is key.

“We do get off track during the holidays, but the key is to get back on it. Eat in moderation, drink lots of water, before holiday parties have a protein filled snack to pre-fill yourself,” said Lawrence and added consistency is crucial. “Don’t forget your work out, even if it’s shorter just maintain something to keep you active. it’ll help reduce stress and anxiety especially during the shopping times,” she said.accompanied by deep breathing.

Whether you’re young or old, new to fitness or a work out fanatic consistency this season is key.

“We do get off track during the holidays, but the key is to get back on it. Eat in moderation, drink lots of water, before holiday parties have a protein filled snack to pre-fill yourself,” said Lawrence and added consistency is crucial. “Don’t forget your work out, even if it’s shorter just maintain something to keep you active. it’ll help reduce stress and anxiety especially during the shopping times,” she said.