As we were in the parking lot, putting several bags into the truck, a gentleman from across the way called to Wilson, "Hey! Is that a half gallon of eggnog you're about to chug?" (Yes, it WAS)...to which Wilson called out in reply, "Mind your own business!" HAHA!! He was joking, of course! And the guy knew it. We all laughed and chatted about how yummy eggnog is and how a handful of people think they don't like it…and how they just don't know what they're missing. [Incidentally- We got into the truck and I asked Wilson who his friend was (he seems to know just about everyone in Blanco); he said he’d never seen the guy before! HA!]
By the way, if you’re wondering- I helped drink that eggnog; a LOT of it…it’s the holiday season, right? Besides…you know how I love eggnog!
Speaking of…
Not only are holiday foods often high in calories and fat content (and we overindulge), but often we get out of our exercise routine this time of year. Even I am cutting classes this week! Spending time with loved ones and travel is wonderful, but can also throw a wrench in our workout routines. Thankfully, you don’t need a gym or even a fitness class to get a good workout at home, while visiting family, or even in a hotel room. You can get a full body workout in as little as 20 minutes using bodyweight.
If you’re serious about working out and are already relatively fit, try 30 to 60 seconds of each of the following exercises, with a 30 second rest between sets: “Pass Through Lunges,” “Globe Hops,” “Shoulder Tap Push-up,” “Burpees,” “Side Squats,” “Army Crawl Planks.” Run through the entire circuit, and begin again. Again; if you’re already into working out, you know these exercises. If not- drop me an email and I’ll explain in more detail…or look them up online.
If you’re not quite at the level of fitness that would allow you to safely perform the mentioned exercises, and you want something a little less intense: walk instead of jump (forward, backward and step to the side), push away from the wall instead of pushing up from the floor, sit and stand multiple times from your chair instead of lunges or squats. There is always a way to modify an exercise to meet your needs.
Enjoy the season. Don’t feel guilty…but remember- you’ll be taking that body with you into the New Year. Invest some time daily in yourself. Mind your own business. If you don’t, who will?
Sally Windham-Blackburn is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor in Blanco, TX. Please send questions and comments to sally_blackburn@yahoo.com
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