Stay on Top of Your Game this Season

Hiking in Sol Duc River ValleyBy Mark Otis

Corporate Fitness

For athletes, the holidays can provide a built-in break in regular exercise training – a welcome time for rest and recovery (Fry, 2013). Those who train regularly or intensely should consider capitalizing on such down time during the holidays and allow your body to recoup a bit. Doing so will enable you return to your workout regime with fresh minds, fresh legs, and the drive of champions (Fry, 2013)! Keep in mind that said down time does not mean to be inactive overall.   Americans tend to gain about 5 pounds during the Holiday season (Ward, MS, RD, 2008).  Some ways to get through the holidays – staying fresh without getting complacent – is to incorporate short bouts of activity.  Some examples are as follows:

  1. Run in a 3k or 5k – It’s not a full or even a half marathon, but it will keep you focused on training for that competitive edge.
  2. Host a holiday boot camp for your friends and family – what a perfect way to get your visiting family and friends to witness your expertise all while having fun and keeping fit!
  3. Take a hike – make a list of your favorite spots for hiking and visit them during the holidays.  It will help prevent a boring holiday break and a reminder of how the outdoors can refresh your workout.

By making a conscious effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even during the holidays, you won’t fall into the dreaded “New Resolution” crowd come January.

References:

  1. Ward, MS, RD, E. M. (2008, September 25). Healthy holiday food and fitness. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-holidays-8/holiday-food?page=3
  2. Fry, E. (2008). Athletes and the holidays: A great time for some much needed “r and r”. Retrieved from http://www.pelinks4u.org/articles/fry12_2012.htm
  3. Danowski, D. (2013). Overeaters journal: Exercises for the heart, mind, and soul. (pp. 03-44). Center City, Minnesota: Hazelden. Retrieved from http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ovP3EOkHl68C&oi=fnd&pg=PA131&dq=overeaters journal exercises for the Heart, Mind, and Soul&ots=tja7qXlz2F&sig=k_gyg9JCMqtfQ228AUudAy_ZVuE

About the Author:

Mark brings a new energy to health and fitness. Possessing over 13 years of personal training and fitness experience, he has the qualifications to succeed in corporate fitness. Mark holds a BS in Kinesiology from San Jose State University and a personal training certification from NASM. Mark has many other areas of expertise including NFL strength coaching, athletic training, martial arts, and injury prevention.

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