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Maintaining Your Workout Routine at Holiday Time

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Eating healthy and exercising over the holidays may seem like an impossible task. Standing in airport lines, holiday shopping, party planning and getting the house ready for company combined with lots of extra temptation often send willpower the way of the North Pole!

Exercise and eating healthy, for most of us, become less of a priority as our to-do lists grow longer and longer. Even those that are active throughout the year may find it difficult to maintain their usual workout program during the holiday season. So, instead of stressing, use these tips below to help you navigate around the usual holiday fitness obstacles.

Remember that staying active will give you energy, reduce stress and tension and, of course, help burn some of the extra calories you will be eating!

  • Set up your laptop, phone or tablet for streaming workouts online. Check out Ochsner's FITTLab app for cardio, strength and yoga lessons on the go. 
  • Pack resistance bands in your suitcase. It may not be the same as machines or weights at the gym, but remember, anything is better than nothing at all.
  • Take a family member on a walk with you. This could be a great time to catch up one-on-one with them and get out of the house!
  • If consuming alcoholic beverages, mix them with low calorie mixers to avoid too much sugar and empty calories.
  • Wear your tennis shoes as often as possible so you are ready to work out at any time! When everyone is napping or before dinner, go for a quick run or walk.
  • At the airport, wear your tennis shoes and walk during your layover.
  • Before going to a holiday party, eat at home. Fill up on salad and protein so you are less likely to overeat once you arrive.
  • If you are staying home, plan your gym time early in the day so you can go shopping and participate in the family events as the day progresses.
  • Work towards a goal. There are 35 days between Thanksgiving and New Years. See if you can run one mile by New Years Day!

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