Well here’s something you may not have known...you don’t need those trips to the gym to keep the extra pounds away! You can do short bouts of exercise while doing all of your holiday shopping, cooking, and cleaning and help you to feel, and look fabulous!
AT THE MALL
Park and walk
Instead of conveniently parking in the closest parking spot to where you are going, park at the furthest spot away and speed walk to your location! Bend your elbows and swing your arms to add cardio benefits as well. Besides, you won’t have trouble finding a space by parking that far away! :)
While waiting in line
Make good use of your time while waiting in long shopping lines by working out your butt! Squeeze your glutes and count to five, then release. Keep repeating! This will tighten and strengthen your backside.
While shopping
Turn your mall shopping into an exercise stint by taking a full lap around the mall before starting to shop. Not only will you get some exercising in, but you will get a preview of all the stores so you’ll know where to go and shop more efficiently!
IN THE KITCHEN
While food is cooking
Waiting for something to cook? Grab some cans or light dumb-bells and take a few laps around the kitchen or inside of your house doing bicep curls while you walk. You’ll get your circulation pumping while also working several major muscle groups!
While something is in the oven
While waiting for the pie, turkey, ham, etc. to be done in the oven, work your major muscle groups. Stand with feet hip-width apart. Lift arms forward to shoulder heights and lower into a squat. Reach up with arms as you jump straight up, landing in a standing position with knees soft. Repeat.
AFTER DINNER
Help the food digest and relax
To help digest your evening meal and leave the day's stresses behind, close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful, snowy landscape. Keeping your stomach drawn in, bring your knees up one by one at a time and swing your arms as if walking through deep snow.
Happy Holidays! xo
~Exercises from Body + Soul Magazine. Original article written by Kate Hanley~
