December, 2006
It's that time of the year again! In the midst of the holiday season, I get a lot of questions about how to stick to an exercise program with all the hecticness of the season. My advice is twofold: Take time for yourself, and be forgiving.
Whether you're hosting friends and family in your home, or traveling to be with loved ones, it's OK to step away for an hour to get your workout in. You'll give yourself the gift of a little time alone, and feel better because of it. But it's also important to remember that the time we spend with our families is valuable, and often takes precedent over a workout. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get your usual exercise routine in during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Instead, appreciate the time you spent with old friends and beloved family, and know that you'll get back to your usual schedule soon.
Ideas for Fitness on the Road
If you are traveling and want to make sure you keep up with your workouts, here's some useful, portable tools:
-Jump Rope! A lightweight, killer cardio workout.
-Your walking/running shoes. Even when it's freezing outside, bundling up and taking a brisk walk or run outdoors is invigorating! Whether you're in the country or city, this is an excellent way to tour the area and check out your surroundings. Gloves, hat, and scarf will help you stay comfortable if you're in a cold weather location.
-Push ups! The ultimate upper-body strength exercise that requires no equipment other than your own body. Beginners can push-up off a wall, steps, or bench if full floor push-ups are too strenuous.
-Resistance Bands! These incredibly light weight, oversized rubber bands can provide a full body strength workout without the burden of heavy weights.
Reading Material
If you want to pass the time on a long, holiday flight, or need an excuse to take some quiet time alone, here's two recommendations for excellent, health-conscious books:
-Fed Up! The Breakthrough Ten-Step, No-Diet Fitness Plan, by Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, MD
I met Dr. Oliver-Pyatt recently at The Center for Hope of the Sierras in Reno, NV. I ordered her book immediately and have very much enjoyed getting to know her non-diet approach to eating well and maintaining health. She shares her personal story and provides plenty of science-based proof that dieting is not only counterproductive, but dangerous. An absorbing, convincing read for anyone who has struggled with body image and weight.
-Full Lives: Women Who Have Freed Themselves from Food & Weight Obsession, edited by Lindsey Hall
I read this book over and over again in my own recovery, and recently picked it up again. It's an incredibly soothing read, full of reminders that hating our bodies is a big ol' waste of time! The book is a compilation of several inspirational personal stories of women who have managed to do exactly what the title implies--free themselves from food and weight obsession. Highly recommended.
New Year's Special!
It's nearly 2007! I'm offering $20 off my initial consultation fee through January 31, 2007.
Happy Holidays Everyone!!
Whether you're hosting friends and family in your home, or traveling to be with loved ones, it's OK to step away for an hour to get your workout in. You'll give yourself the gift of a little time alone, and feel better because of it. But it's also important to remember that the time we spend with our families is valuable, and often takes precedent over a workout. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get your usual exercise routine in during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Instead, appreciate the time you spent with old friends and beloved family, and know that you'll get back to your usual schedule soon.
Ideas for Fitness on the Road
If you are traveling and want to make sure you keep up with your workouts, here's some useful, portable tools:
-Jump Rope! A lightweight, killer cardio workout.
-Your walking/running shoes. Even when it's freezing outside, bundling up and taking a brisk walk or run outdoors is invigorating! Whether you're in the country or city, this is an excellent way to tour the area and check out your surroundings. Gloves, hat, and scarf will help you stay comfortable if you're in a cold weather location.
-Push ups! The ultimate upper-body strength exercise that requires no equipment other than your own body. Beginners can push-up off a wall, steps, or bench if full floor push-ups are too strenuous.
-Resistance Bands! These incredibly light weight, oversized rubber bands can provide a full body strength workout without the burden of heavy weights.
Reading Material
If you want to pass the time on a long, holiday flight, or need an excuse to take some quiet time alone, here's two recommendations for excellent, health-conscious books:
-Fed Up! The Breakthrough Ten-Step, No-Diet Fitness Plan, by Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, MD
I met Dr. Oliver-Pyatt recently at The Center for Hope of the Sierras in Reno, NV. I ordered her book immediately and have very much enjoyed getting to know her non-diet approach to eating well and maintaining health. She shares her personal story and provides plenty of science-based proof that dieting is not only counterproductive, but dangerous. An absorbing, convincing read for anyone who has struggled with body image and weight.
-Full Lives: Women Who Have Freed Themselves from Food & Weight Obsession, edited by Lindsey Hall
I read this book over and over again in my own recovery, and recently picked it up again. It's an incredibly soothing read, full of reminders that hating our bodies is a big ol' waste of time! The book is a compilation of several inspirational personal stories of women who have managed to do exactly what the title implies--free themselves from food and weight obsession. Highly recommended.
New Year's Special!
It's nearly 2007! I'm offering $20 off my initial consultation fee through January 31, 2007.
Happy Holidays Everyone!!
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