Fitness Tips to Stay Active After 50: Holiday Edition

The holiday season is upon us—a time filled with joy, love, and cherished family traditions. But with the holiday cheer comes colder weather and more time indoors, making it harder to keep up with your fitness routine. Staying active is just as important now as ever, though. 

In this post, we’ll share simple ways to incorporate movement into your day-to-day activities, helping you stay fit, energized, and ready to enjoy the season.

Why Maintaining Fitness During the Holidays Is So Important

Staying active is key to preserving joint health and flexibility, especially as we age. Exercise helps prevent stiffness, making it easier to perform everyday tasks, like decorating for the holidays!

Regular physical activity also helps strengthen your immune system. This is especially important during the colder months when viruses, like colds and flu, tend to be more prevalent. Even a little movement regularly can help keep your immune system functioning well so you can stave off sickness.

Exercise also works wonders for managing stress and fatigue. As you already know, there can be a lot of pressure during the holidays—finding time to shop, cooking for family, preparing your home to entertain guests…and then there’s all those holiday parties to attend. 

Physical activity releases endorphins that naturally help boost your mood and keep you feeling energized longer so you can enjoy yourself despite all the holiday hustle. 

Finally, movement is good for your mind. Physical activity can help reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to the colder, darker months that come with seasonal changes.

5 Ways to Add Movement Throughout Your Day

• Walking After Meals

After your meal, try taking a 5-10 minute walk around your house or neighborhood. Doing this not only helps with digestion, but it also keeps your blood sugar regulated. Plus, it’s a great low-impact exercise to get you moving without overexerting yourself.  

• Stretching While Watching Holiday Movies

No, we’re not suggesting doing an entire yoga session while watching your favorite movies – you might miss your favorite scene! But by incorporating some simple stretches you can keep your muscles flexible, reduce stiffness, and feel more relaxed. You can do neck stretches, shoulder stretches, and even calf raises all while sitting on your couch. 

• Chair Yoga or Seated Pilates

If standing or getting down on the floor isn’t an option for you, chair yoga or seated Pilates can be a great alternative. Many movements, like seated leg lifts, arm raises, and gentle twists, can be done while sitting. These exercises are perfect for improving mobility, flexibility, and strength without putting any strain on your body.

• Dancing Around the House

This might sound a bit silly, but dancing around the house is a fun way to get your body moving. Put on your Christmas tunes and let loose! Side steps and arm swings are all you need to get your heart rate up. Plus, it’s a great way to make memories and have fun with your kids.

• Incorporate Balance Exercises

If you’ve ever gone outside after snow and ice have blanketed the ground, you know how slippery it can be. Strong stabilizing muscles are the key to being able to stay steady on your feet and prevent falls. Strengthening these muscles can be done through balance exercises, like heel-to-toe walking or standing up from a chair without using your hands. Doing this can go a long way toward improving your coordination and your stability.

CONCLUSION

Your fitness doesn’t have to take a backseat during the holidays. With these simple tips, you can stay active without disrupting your holiday plans. So take time to incorporate a little movement throughout your day — your mind and body will thank you for it!

And if you start to get a little stir-crazy from being indoors, don’t hesitate to join us for a class in the studio. We’ll be here, ready to help you stay active, strong, and flexible all winter long.

 

Sign up for a class today: https://momence.com/u/restoring-bodies-fitness-&-nutrition-services-htyzkc