Dashing Through the Snow

"There's much more to Christmas than candlelight and cheer; it's the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, it;s hope reborn again, for peace, for understanding, and for goodwill to men"

-Unknown

WEBSITE: Enjoy Christmas desserts this Holiday season http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/tips/holiday/good-for-you-holiday-desserts/?esrc=nwfitdailytip112310&email=2686729334

**Excitement of the day...Texas announces a new marathon today at 1:30 that will be held in the Houston area! With the increasing popularity of the Houston marathon, time could not be more perfect!! So excited :)

OK I am from Texas, there is not much dashing through the snow, but there is no doubt winter is upon us! As temperatures drop, we tend to take to hibernation. A cold day makes up tempted to curl up with a snuggie, hot chocolate and a good book but hibernation is for bears. We need to stay active throughout all the seasons-cold one included! 30% of Americans get NO exercise at all...pecan pie isn't the only culprit of holiday weight gain!

To be honest, I am the biggest wuss when it comes to cold weather. Just thinking about it makes me shiver and I am that person wearing a thick coat when it is 60 degrees (it's a good thing I live in Texas, I would never survive up North!!) I do many treadmill runs instead of busting out those long sleeve running shirts. If, like me, cold weather exercise isn't your thing, you don't have to throw in the towel for a few months. Try some indoor exercise options, and don't be scared to get creative to weather the storm.

-Power walk the mall, hitting two birds with one stone! You don't have to be logging miles on a treadmill to get the heart rate up. Do your christmas shopping while you exercise. Hit up the local mall and walk the length keeping a quick pace.

-Hit the gym. If you don't already belong to one, ask for a membership for Christmas! If you do, use it! This offers you lots of variety to keep things interesting.

-Home gym. Don't want to face the chill on your walk to the car? Set up your own gym in the warmth of your own home. These can get pretty fancy and I have seen some incredible ones but we are not all made of money. Hit up Target for dumbells, a jump rope, resistance bands or an exercise ball.

-Swimming isn't just a summer sport. With your earlier mentioned gym membership, use the indoor pool. OK, I am not a swimmer (I'm actually a pretty terrible swimmer!) but it is such an awesome workout and great for low-impact on your muscles. Log some laps or try a water aerobics class.

-Try a new fitness class. Many gyms offer fun classes with everything from step to cycle to cardio-dance workouts. Burn major calories without facing the biting cold.

-Watch a video and I'm not talking It's a Wonderful Life here. There are some incredible workout videos that don't require you to leave your house. By now we have all heard about P-90X and Insanity so maybe winter is your season to take the challenge (I am a huge Insanity fanatic!) With many to choose from, including yoga, cardio and strength training, you don't have to miss a beat this season.

If you are brave and up to facing the cold, stay safe! Warm-up prior to getting outside to avoid the increased risk of injury. Stay hydrated, you may not feel as thirsty but don't hit that dehydration wall. Dress for the cold-and check out my post on best dress for the weather. Finally, fight the temptation to strip as you walk through the door. Allow your body time to adjust to the temperature change.

Can you believe it's a week till Christmas! WOW!

Megan