Feeling more stressed than jolly during the month of December is not abnormal. Especially when you consider how many people are already trying to decrease their stress levels long before the holiday season begins. According to research conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “Seven out of ten adults in the United States say they experience stress or anxiety daily, and most say it interferes moderately with their lives.”
This is why I have compiled the following list of free fitness apps and online resources that can be used to stay physically active during what is, for many of us, the busiest time of year. Those who spend most of the holiday season alone may also find these tools helpful to alleviate anxiety and sadness due to feeling isolated or grieving the recent loss of a relative or close friend.
FitOn: I first discovered this extensive library of free fitness content during the initial quarantine phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The workouts include stretching, mobility exercises, Pilates and more — plus consist of a variety of lengths (some even as short as 10 minutes).
The Couch to 5K Runner and the NHS Couch to 5K apps both let you select the run or walk distance goal that you are aiming for, and then track your progress. Each also has a version that Apple and Android users can download.
Senior Planet offers live wellness sessions produced by AARP. Chair yoga, meditation and functional movement are examples of the regular classes the organization broadcasts daily.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention and Walk With Ease are virtual and in-person programs provided by Michigan State University Extension. They also have a few simple Tai Chi chair-based exercise clips which can be viewed on YouTube.
TOPS YouTube Channel: For over 18 months, I have been creating a variety of fitness content which includes strength training, simple stretches and even exercises that can be done without equipment while traveling.
Whether it is movement, meditation or simply making time to connect more with your fellow chapter members, be sure to keep self-care on your to-do list. You are worth it! After all, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is good health.
Now let’s wrap up 2024 with a communal act of gratitude by sharing merry memories (in the comments box below) from chapter meetings, retreats and rallies we attend over these last 12 months.
I send well wishes to you all for the year ahead!
~Rachel
You do a great job on the TOPS YouTube channel, Rachel!
THANK YOU, Robin.
Rachel, you are doing a great job sharing information that enourages us to do all those important things for ourselves: stretch, move, and relax! I love our meetings that give information, but is there any group out there being successful at starting their meeting time with 20 minutes of some kind of movement/exercise? Going back to the 70’s….I remember the daily “20 minute workout” pushed on TV. I bet this idea ends up falling flat but I just think it would be so practical!
Hi Joan!
I agree that even 20-25 minutes of active movement each day can be highly beneficial. Thus, maybe this is a potential goal for some chapters to strive for next year (in regard to starting or ending meetings with light exercise like stretching or walking)..???
Thank you for a list of short simple exercises on youtube.
You are very welcome, Betty!
Thanks!! These sites are all new to me. I will definitely check them all out – just what I need with the weather becoming so dark and wet.
Also, I’ll be sharing this article at chapter as a program next week! Great info to keep everyone moving through the winter.
Hello Jeannie,
I hope your fellow chapter members find this list as helpful as you do. Also, do let me know if you start to regularly use any of these fitness sites or apps.
I notice that Zoom with Jodi Stolove is missing. Some of our members find her exercises shown three times a week to be very helpful and entertaining. This was started through TOPS during the pandemic and has continued.
I will mention these at our chapter meeting next week.
Hi Sandie,
I appreciate you posting about these workouts here. I am not familiar with this person or the virtual workouts it sounds like Jodi is regularly hosting. But you are welcome to post a direct link in this comment thread so that other TOPS members can get more information about this too if interested.