Add Some Wiggle Room into Your Holiday Schedule

December 2009

These quick and easy holiday workouts will leave you plenty of time for enjoying the seasonal festivities.

1. Get in some hills.
Winter weather got you down? Work it in your favor. You'll burn tons of calories hiking up and down a nearby sledding hill for a great cardiovascular workout. Plus, you'll work your calves and strengthen your ankles by walking in the snow. Get your whole body involved and make a snow angel. Not only will you rev up your heart, but you'll nourish your soul with the fun feelings of childhood.

2. Stretch your time.
When you're especially time-crunched and stressed out, it really can take a toll on your body. So when you get up in the morning, take five to 10 extra minutes to stretch out and breathe deeply. Start with your neck and arms and work all the way down to your toes. You'll get your blood moving right away, and feel more limber and
relaxed immediately.

3. Do the can-can.
Next time you're unloading the extra holiday groceries, make it a mini-workout. First, take a full bag of groceries in each hand and do 10 to 15 lunges in your kitchen. Once you start unpacking, you can use a can of soup as a great little tool for muscle strengthening. Take a can of soup in each hand, straighten your arms, and raise them out to your sides and in front of your body in slow, alternating sweeps. Do 10 reps of each to build strength in your triceps, shoulders, and lats. If you want an extra challenge, take a gallon of milk and do slow bicep curls. Your arms will be holiday-party-ready in a snap.

4. Shovel in a workout.
Let's face it—no one likes shoveling the driveway. But if you think of it as a workout, it makes it more enjoyable. In 20 minutes of shoveling snow, you'll work your entire upper body and core muscles. If you work hard enough to break a sweat, you'll squeeze in some cardio work as well.

5. Carol your way through cleaning.
Cleaning up for holiday guests? Burn some extra calories while you're at it. Crank up the holiday tunes, and dance your way to a better body. Not only will you burn extra calories with hip shimmies and an extra bounce in your step, but you'll also
boost your spirits.

try an at-home workout with things you already own >

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