I’ve got good news and better news. The good news is that there’s still time to participate in the 100 Million Minutes (of Activity) Challenge. The better news is that exercise is a great way to manage weight. And with the hustle of the holidays, jam-packed schedules and sugary treats galore, it can be tougher than ever to watch your weight this time of year. The Challenge, which began in May of this year, asks all TOPS members to get moving for a collective goal of 100 million minutes by December 31. This may seem a little daunting, but if each member gets active for just 10 minutes a day, three days a week, we’ll crush this Challenge.
Need a little more motivation to get in the holiday fitness spirit? The National Weight Control Registry, which has tracked thousands of people (including TOPS members!) since 1994 and followed their attempts to keep off weight, shows that 94% of registry participants increased their physical activity. To help you feel more excited about exercise—and less like it’s just one more item on your to-do list—try these tips:
- Buddy up with a friend and text each other encouraging reminders during the day … or in the evening when the warm couch is calling your name.
- Get in the swing of things with the kettlebell exercises featured in the November/December issue of TOPS News.
- Try a few (or all!) of the moves featured in the 12 Days of Fitmas album featured on the TOPS Facebook page.
- Holiday fitness and activity minutes don’t necessarily have to get your heart pumping. Unwind after a long day by working in 10 minutes of gentle stretching during your favorite show. This is a good way to relax any time of year, but there’s something extra soothing about stretching under the glow of holiday lights.
Penciling in time for activity will help you tackle your holiday list, add up minutes for the Challenge and enjoy your favorite Christmas cookies that much more. Learn more about the 100 Million Minutes Challenge here and be sure to tell me how you’re staying active this winter!
