Healthy Magazine Healthy RGV Issue 121 | Page 34

FITNESS & BEAUTY · DECEMBER 2018 FITNESS FITNESS & & BEAUTY BEAUTY · · DECEMBER DECEMBER 2018 2018 HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF FIT W ith the holidays upon us, we are beginning to realize that time is not on our side. We try to prepare for the food-laden holidays, buying all the baking goods, purchasing gifts, and trying to keep some semblance of normalcy in our lives. With times so hectic, all too often we turn to convenience foods, so we'll have enough time to fit in all the tasks and errands we want to accomplish. AMIDST THE HOLIDAYS - Drink plenty of water. You may not realize it, but those hunger pangs you think you feel may actually be a signal that you're dehydrated. Choose water first. If your tummy is still growling after that, have a light snack. Don't overindulge. - Keep moving. It may feel like you're constantly on the move, but you may be surprised to see you haven't moved as much as you think you have. Use a fitness tracker That's where trouble sets in. We forget to help keep track of your steps or calories about exercise because our to-do lists are hanging over our heads. We nibble on snacks burned. Set a goal and stick to it. You'll have more energy to get the things done that you as we're baking the cookies or preparing a yule log for the company holiday party. We're need to do. busy people, but all that fuss takes a toll on - Add exercise and sleep to your to- our fitness. do list. You'll need both to keep you feeling Here are a few tips that are quick alert and energized, make both a priority. and easy to get you through the harried holiday season : - Portion control is your friend. It's okay to have a cookie but avoid eating the entire tray of cookies. Carry or serve healthier alternatives. - Say yes to your favorite carb-heavy meal or dessert, just don't make it a habit. One night to indulge is all you need and commit to not doing it again for another seven days. - Carve in exercise bursts throughout your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park far away from the store entrance. Walk during your lunch hour. Take a nice evening stroll to look at the holiday decorations. Do squats while you brush your teeth. Use a couple of cans of cranberry sauce as light weights while you oversee what's on the stove. - The point is to keep fitness in the forefront of your mind during the busy holiday season, so you can maintain (or increase!) your energy level and feeling of wellbeing. Plus, you won't have to make that dreaded New Year resolution to lose weight and get into shape! B E S T WORKOUTS F O R I t’s never too early to start thinking about your new year fitness routine. Like most people, you’re probably tired of the same old routine. You want something new to help ring in the new year and help you rev up your fitness routine and hit your goals. Lucky for you, we’ve searched high and low and found the hottest fitness trends for 2019! 1. By Alexandra Newman The biggest trend for the new year is wearable technology. If you are the lucky recipient of a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, heart monitor, or any other techie fitness gift for the holidays, all you have to do is throw on a pair of shoes (or not) and get outdoors, or better yet, walk up and down your stairs at home. It doesn't matter where you go or what you do. Studies have shown that people move more when they have one of these devices reminding them to get off the couch and take a few steps. So, grab your tracker and start moving! You'll be the leader of the pack in no time flat. 2. Training usually lasts about 30 minutes or less and no gym required. 4. Many new and exciting fitness classes are popping up for people of a certain age and certain mobility levels. Let's face it, our population is aging and it only makes sense that we continue to keep our bodies fit and healthy well into old age. Exercise, even moderate exercise, is a wonderful way to maintain bone density and build or keep muscle mass as you age. 5. Bodyweight training is great because there are no barbells to lift and no kettle balls to manage. All you need for this is the weight of your own body. Think planks, push-ups, and other exercises that use your body's own resistance. 6. Certified personal trainers in it for the win. The fitness industry has exploded and for good reason. People are more conscious of what they eat and how they move. Why not hire a play an affable sports match with family or friends. On the whole, these exercises help professional to help you meet your optimal you function better in your daily life. fitness level and help you reach your goals? Group training classes are hot! Any class you can take with other participants is worth it for the motivation. There are even online group classes you can join and enjoy from the comforts of your home. What's not to love about that? 7. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) was number one in last year's list of fitness trends. It's taken a slight hit as far as numbers are concerned, but it's still big in the fitness industry and should not be ignored. This training involves short bursts of high- intensity exercise followed by a brief resting period, then, repeat for several intervals. 8. 3. 34 HEALTHY MAGAZINE 2 0 1 9 9. The ancient practice of yoga has made the top ten in fitness trends for years. It's taken on many forms and revved up what one can do in yoga, but that hasn't changed the great impact it can have on your life. You can take a power yoga class, or hot yoga, or even goat yoga. No wonder it's on the list of best workouts! Interestingly enough, many health care providers are ditching their prescription pads and advising patients to exercise instead. A morning walk, an evening run, and step goals all play a role in this new trend. It's about teaching you how to better care for yourself through exercise. Functional fitness training uses exercise to help improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance. Turning these weaknesses into strengths can help you in other areas of your life, like when you want to go on a hike or No matter how you decide to workout, it's important to be active every day, and with this list of the best workouts, you have many options to make it fun and far from ordinary. 35 HEALTHY MAGAZINE By Robert Clum