“My New Year’s resolution is to start an exercise routine.” Many people make this promise to themselves toward the end of the year. But why do we have to wait until the New Year to start making or keep building healthy habits? Today is always a great day to do something to promote good health. To help you along the way, follow some of our simple tips to keep you moving during the holiday season.
Tips to keep you moving:
- Start small: Making a goal of just 5-10 minutes a day can get you moving in the right direction. Starting a new exercise routine can seem less overwhelming when you start smaller and hold yourself to a smaller chunk of time. Plus, it will help you build a habit on which you can expand.
- Schedule your movement: Put your exercise sessions into your calendar. Give it a dedicated space and try not to schedule over it. If you set the time aside in advance, it will make it more likely to happen.
- Remove barriers: We are all easy at coming up with reasons why we can’t, so try to remove some of those barriers ahead of time. For example: Set more than one alarm clock; pack your gym bag the night before; go to bed in your workout clothes; go straight to the gym from work; have the kids participate in the exercise, etc.
- Find a friend: Working out can be more pleasurable when you have someone else to do it with you. Find a friend or a family member who is willing to make an exercise buddy commitment with you. That way you can also help keep each other accountable and lift each other up when one of you is feeling less motivated.
- Have some fun: Don’t forget to try to find some fun in your movement, whether that is finding a buddy, making an awesome playlist or finding a new activity that you enjoy. If you are having fun doing the activity, you will look forward to it and then may be more likely to complete it. Maybe you just want to put on some music and dance around your house while you are getting your holiday chores done!
So whether you are just starting a new exercise routine or are working on maintaining your momentum throughout the holiday season, focus on one or two of these tips to help keep you on track with your movement goals. It is also a good idea to try different things and find what works best for you and your schedule. Remember: The idea is not to be perfect, but to keep moving in the right direction.
Looking for more guidance on how to make and keep some health and wellness goals? Reach out to our Hy-Vee dietitian team to learn more about scheduling a free Discovery Session.
*The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
About the Registered Dietitian
Alea Lester Fite, MS, RD, LD, received her bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota in Spanish and biology and her master’s degree with coordinating internship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago in Nutrition and Dietetics. Alea has always had a passion for health and fitness, participating in competitive sports for most of her life. She found that she loved inspiring and helping people make healthy changes. Alea started seeing a registered dietitian when she was having her own digestive health issues and realized that she enjoyed learning about and working with food.
