Holidays

The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing and with all the beautiful scenery there are breathtaking hiking trails waiting to be discovered. Fall is a great time to lace up your hiking boots and get trekking. Not only will you get your body moving to help shed off (or ward off) the holiday weight gain, but it will also give your mind the chance to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Hiking can burn between 350-600 calories an hour depending on the hills involved and any weight you may be carrying on your back. At this rate, adding an enjoyable hike three times a week to your routine can help you drop one pound every two weeks. Hiking is also great for building muscle and toning your hamstrings, quads, glutes, and calves. Your cardio and endurance will improve as you push yourself through the winding path, and your core will get its fair share of work from the uneven surfaces. You can even get your arms in on the action by using light weight hiking poles. All in all, hiking is a great total body workout to condition your body and mind.

So, you did it – you finally busted through that frustrating plateau, achieved a new personal best, or fit into those skinny jeans. That’s great, but the battle isn’t completely over – you’ve got to maintain your new physique. Unfortunately, that’s a lot easier said than done over the holiday season. Everyone complains about the binge-friendly family celebrations, calorie-laden holiday treats, and booze-heavy office parties, but it’s time to do something about it. This year, take control of your eating habits – and chances are, you’ll have an even more memorable holiday.

1. Stay active! Of course you’ll pack on a few pounds if you overindulge in homemade sweets and spend a ton of time in front of the tube. Yet tons of normally fit, active people fall prey to this cruel holiday tradition each year. Just because your routine is a bit different doesn’t give you an excuse to skip the gym. By setting a schedule – and sticking to it – you’re setting yourself up for success. With time off work, you may even be able to fit in MORE gym sessions. Go for a run while cooking a side dish, or while the prized Thanksgiving turkey roasts. Make a deal with yourself that you will squeeze in one hour of physical activity per day.
2. Involve the whole family. Visit a farm and chop down your own Christmas tree. You can start a new tradition and get exercise walking around and inspecting all the different pines. Take a weekend ski trip, or just visit the local ice rink. Even if your family members have health complications or problems that prevent them from partaking in more high-impact sports, you can always try to take a walk around the neighborhood (caroling, anyone?). After all, every little bit counts!