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Staying Active During The Holidays

Massapequa Pain Management and Rehabilitation

Here at Massapequa Pain Management and Rehabilitation, we cannot stress enough the importance of staying active during the holidays. While it may be tempting to stay inside near the fireplace, remaining active has numerous benefits including protecting cardiovascular health, improving flexibility, stabilizing mood and confidence, and maximizing strength to fight against cold viruses.

5 Ways to Stay Active During the Holiday Season

  • Plan in Advance – If you are traveling this season to visit friends or family, take the time to research hiking trails, ice skating rinks, or ski parks in the area. Prepare for the trip with proper running shoes or outside attire. Don’t be shy to explore a new area or visit a family member’s gym to keep active. If you practice yoga, be prepared and bring your mat with you. You don’t have to take a break from your exercise routine when visiting family and friends.
  • Participate in a Holiday-Themed Run! – Most communities now host a “Turkey Trot,” “Rudolph Run,” or “Santa 5Ks” to keep the community members active. There are also numerous marathons focused on increasing awareness for various organizations. This is an outstanding way to support a great cause and create motivation to achieve something special.  A solid place to start is to research your community calendar for events in the area that you can be a part of.
  • Make Family Time…Outside – Spending time with family does not necessarily mean you have to sit indoors. Why not go outside for a walk together, play a family sport such as soccer, tag football, or baseball, or play a game of tug-of-war?  Don’t be afraid to get competitive with the family, it is a great way to bond and cut calories!
  • Use the Snow to your Advantage –  Having mounds of snow is not necessarily an excuse to stay inside. Remember to take the time to shovel snow. There are also many other activities in the snow such as snow-tubing, skiing, sledding, and snow jet-skiing which are options too. Don’t forget that dogs love the snow, so make sure to take the time to walk your dog as well.
  • Set a Short-Term Goal for the Season – This holiday season, set yourself a goal which you can achieve in a short amount of time. Try not to be too ambitious, a reasonable goal would be to decrease your weight by 5-7% in two months. Remember to keep hydrated and join a gym membership to maintain activity. Always exercise proper technique when lifting weights and remember to have a weight spotter when lifting heavier weight.

4 Reasons To Keep Exercising During the Holidays

  • Holiday Stress – Let’s face it, with family coming over, gifts to buy, and decorations to set up, the holidays can be stressful. Stress is a major cause of weight gain for people, so in order to cope with all the extra anxiety, exercising can be a great way to keep your mind and body occupied on something beneficial for yourself.
  • Holiday Weight Gain –  Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, there will be a lot of meals shared together. This means more laughs, more memories, and more calories to pack under the table. This is a great reason to make sure you take some extra effort in losing weight this year. Try to eat in moderation and to count calories to prepare for a healthier diet.
  • Seasonal Depression – With the cold and dark winters, suffering from the seasonal affective disorder is common. This means that the body feels like it is shutting down and fatigued constantly due to the weather. In order to avoid this, exercising can increase dopamine to the brain and elevate mood.
  • Exercise Provides Structure to the Day – Incorporating exercise to your everyday routine can boost stamina, allow for more restful sleep, and increase memory. It gives you something to look forward to and a goal to strive towards!

This season, Massapequa Pain Management and Rehabilitation wants to remind you the cold weather does not have to keep you indoors. If you experience any injury or musculoskeletal pain this season, give us a visit and we will be happy to serve you. Our services include physical therapy, orthopedic care, chiropractic care, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Take care of yourself and stay safe, winter is a great season to achieve your fitness goals!