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The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter, Issue #216. Defeat Holiday Stress. December 01, 2017 |
Hi
December 1, 2017
In this newsletter . . . Defeat Holiday StressDecember can be joyful -- but also a pressure cooker. A lot depends on how we manage our time. Added holiday activities can take a physical and emotional toll if we manage our time poorly. It is no coincidence that so many on January 1st resolve to live healthier lives in the New Year. We read articles and listen to advice on ways to enjoy the season while not overeating, for example. And it can be done. Honestly. Sure it requires a little will power. But managing food intake now is a much better policy than throwing caution to the wind, adding unwanted pounds, and then promising ourselves we’ll do better next year. Many times new fat becomes a permanent fixture. Too often regular exercise gets put on the back burner. That’s not surprising. It seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything, with "adventures" at the shopping mall and trips here and there to visit friends and relatives. Sometimes you just can’t fit everything in. And the pressure mounts. Here’s advice from the experts. Don’t ignore your workouts entirely. If you are well organized enough to follow your regular routine, great! But if you cannot devote the normal amount of time for your workouts, abbreviate your training. For example, three short 10-minute segments a day of physical activity is easy to fit into even the busiest schedule. Don’t discount 10-minute efforts as not being worthwhile. They pay off. Also take a few minutes here and there to sit quietly to do some relaxed deep breathing to relieve tension and calm your mind. It's a great habit to get into anytime, and particularly at times when stress is building up. Such seemingly small things as portion-control eating and short exercise and relaxation breaks really can make a difference. You won’t be looking in the mirror on January 1st and saying, "Yuk! I’ve put on ten pounds and haven’t worked out in weeks." Abbreviated workouts when you are pressed for time What's the saying? Half a loaf is better than none at all. Squeeze in some good bodyweight exercises that can be done on the spot. Here are a couple of example combinations that will give your body a good little workout in a brief period . . .
Work them into 10-minute segments, with rest between sets according to need; follow up with a little relaxed deep breathing, and, like magic, you’ll maintain muscle tone along with a calm demeanor through the busy holidays. Visit Senior Exercise Central.
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 Newsletter Policy The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter is a free publication sent twice monthly to subscribers. The purpose is to provide honest and realistic fitness information for people age 50 and above. I have never been paid or received compensation of any kind to write a positive review or endorse a product. If I say that I personally use a product or service, it is because I find value in it and have paid for it with my own money. Like newspapers, magazines and television, this newsletter and my web site contain advertising and marketing links. Naturally, I am compensated for these. The newsletter and web site provide information to help users establish and maintain a fitness lifestyle. But fitness information is not the same as fitness advice, which is the application of exercise and dietary practices to an individual's specific circumstances. Therefore, always consult with your physician for assurance that fitness information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate for you. Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom. |
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