At Christmas and throughout the holiday season we are less active than usual. With watching TV until late at night, to binge eating the turkey sarnies, sweets, and Christmas Pudding. Our digestive system is out of whack as well as our body clock.
We have gone from waking up early with scheduled meal times and bedtimes to anything goes and to be honest after the year we’ve all had, do we not deserve to blow off some steam?
Yes of course we do, but it is still important to keep active. No one wants to have to start everything from scratch come January again. This is why we come up with a few simple ways to best keep yourself and your loved ones active this Christmas. Honestly, you’ll be glad you did.
Prepare Yourself:
While most of us are unsure what and where we may be over the Christmas break, it’s important to have a plan in mind. Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t get out for a walk or a run, work out a 10-15 minute routine that you can do anywhere. This could include stretches, squats, jumping jacks, push-ups (whatever you are comfortable with). It can be done in the living room, bedroom, or if you are in a pinch, the bathroom (we won’t tell).
Get Walking:
When it comes to an exercise plan, many believe that it should focus on heavy lifting, sweating, and a specific amount of time. Well, keeping active is different. Going for a leisurely walk is exercise enough over the Christmas period. Whether it’s 20 or 40 minutes is entirely up to you.
Going for a walk is great for:
- Heat and lungs fitness
- Reduces risk of heart disease and stroke
- Helps with joint and muscular pain or stiffness
- Helps you improve your balance.
Get On Your Bike:
Whether it’s a stationary bike in your bedroom or a pushbike outside, cycling is a great way to keep active this Christmas. You can certainly cover more area on a bike than you can when walking. The great thing here is, you never forget how to ride a bike so there is no need to learn or practice with something new.
Get your helmet, reflective gear, and get on your bike. It will work wonders for:
- Your mental health
- Your Immune System
- Reduce the level of stress on your joints (this will help anyone with arthritis)
- Good for your heart and your lungs
Yoga:
Believe it or not but Yoga has been named one of the best forms of exercise for the elderly. Over time and with proper instruction you can improve your flexibility and balance. It is simple and easy to do, even in your own living room.
For a nice short kick start, we have a 7-minute yoga video right here for you to try.
Get Online:
Thanks to Covid-19 the vast majority of the world has gone digital. That means you can research and find a fitness or exercise routine that you like online. Many of these classes are free and there for you to take full advantage of. We’ve even scoured a few and found some great options.
- Ellas Wheelchair Workouts
- Ask Doctor Jo – great exercises for those with arthritis
- The Body Coach – Simple 10-minute exercise plan for seniors at home
There you have it, some simple and sweet ways to keep active over the Christmas period. Just remember, it’s important to relax too. What better way to do that than with your feet up, a Christmas movie a cup of tea. Possibly made with your very own Uccello Kettle?
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