Exercise Your Options During The Holidays

You may think the only workouts you'll get during November and December will be fighting off crowds at the mall … power-walking to the sale racks…feverishly addressing holiday cards…and hoisting tray after tray of Christmas cookies into the oven.

Not so! Even during this hectic time of year, you can still find time for exercise. In fact, with all the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking and entertaining, it's probably more important than ever to move your body and nurture your spirit.

The best part is that you don't have to schedule a solid hour or half-hour block to get a good workout. For example, you can break up your routine into three, 10-minute "mini-workouts - and accumulate your exercise throughout the day!

Here are a few more fun ways to fit exercise into your busy holiday calendar:

• Don't hibernate. Get out and enjoy the beauty of the season. Depending on where you live, it might be a hike along leaf-laden trails, several runs down a nearby ski slope, or ice-skating on an outdoor rink.
• Be a kid again. Get the whole family together for a rousing snowball fight. Build a snowman. Make snow angels. Enjoy special time together as you model positive exercise behaviors for your children.
• Get truckin'. When you're especially stressed, a brisk walk around the block can be all it takes to calm you down and lift your spirits.
• Maximize the mall. Before you even begin your holiday shopping, take an extra lap - or two - around the mall. Not only will you get your heart going - you'll get some great gift ideas as you stroll by the stores!
• Kick up your heels. By spending more time on the dance floor at your next company function - and less time at the hors d'oeuvres table - you'll minimize calories and maximize fun!