Welcome back to this week’s edition of 2-Minute Tuesdays. This week, we are talking to those of you who are preparing for the upcoming U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. You are looking at your schedule for the holiday week, and all you see across the board is you sitting on your rear end. What things can you start doing to make sure that you not only stay active during the holidays, but that you are also able to combat the chronic sitting that will inevitably take place?
1) Keep Moving Throughout Your Day
Our first exercise tip if you are going to be sitting a lot during the holidays is to make sure that you keep moving throughout your day. Look for pockets of time when you could be active, and make sure you get some movement in. For example, if you are traveling, take advantage of your time in the airport before your flight to walk around. There will be plenty of sitting that happens throughout the holidays, so being active when you get the chance is of the utmost importance for your overall health and wellbeing.
Action Step: Set your phone timer to go off every hour as a reminder to stand up and move around. Even 5-10 minutes of movement a few times a day can do wonders for your health.
2) Prioritize Being Active Versus Sedentary
Our second exercise tip if you are going to be sitting a lot during the holidays is to prioritize being active throughout your day. A lot of times, the holidays come around and people want to take advantage of being able to kick their feet up. While this is perfectly appropriate, make sure you aren’t ONLY kicking your feet up. Prioritize continuing to get your workouts in so that when it does come time to kick back and relax, you can do so with fewer worries.
Action Step: Plan to get at least 20 minutes of structured exercise in every day. If you feel like your days are going to be too busy, do your workouts first thing in the morning before the day gets started!
3) Schedule Your Workouts
Our third exercise tip if you are going to be sitting a lot during the holidays is to schedule your workouts. The holidays come with many different commitments and obligations that can throw a wrench in your daily routine. But, if you put your exercise time in your schedule and make sure to stick to them, then you will be sure to get your workouts in.
Action Step: Want a way to be able to exercise at home in under 20 minutes? Check out the MAS At-Home Workout Program here!