Staying on top, fighting fit this winter

Winters bring in a host of things — parties, vacations and generally, more of the good things in life. But naturally, you have to give in to the joys of the season, but do make sure that you don’t compromise on your fitness regime...

Home sweet home
While entertaining guests at home, along with everything else, your fitness regime goes out the window. There is a solution though. Fitness expert Sangeetha Gopal says staying at home is sometimes the best exercise there is. “Our moms were always in great shape because of their active involvement in domestic household chores”, she says. Sangeetha suggests fitness be made a family affair. “Clean up the wardrobes, rearrange the kitchen and don’t hire maids. Taking care of your kids yourself is a great exercise right there!”

Time taken: Significantly none.
Materials required: A house to be spring-cleaned and a family.
Space required: None.

Vacation mode
If you are travelling this winter, it is a good idea to carry a workout plan that fits into your schedule. Colorado-based fitness instructor Stacey Lei Krauss says, “I tell my clients to make sure they have a routine in their back pocket, something equipment-free that can be done in a small space, especially if you don’t have easy access to a gym over the holidays.”

Before you leave, look up on walking paths or health clubs in the vicinity of your resort or hotel.

Time taken: Around 20 minutes.
Materials required: A long road/ walking path
Space required: You have the entire outdoors you need.

Mind play
Ellen Barrets, a Connecticut-based exercise instructor, stresses on the mind-body connect during the holidays. “During the holidays mental fatigue can weigh you down but strengthening the spirit may be as simple as downing a glass of water”, she says. “And get moving in the mornings, take a 20 minute walk, even if it’s pitch black outside”, she advises. “Shift your mindset from that all-or-nothing mentality,” said Jessica Matthews, an exercise physiologist based in San Diego, California.

Time taken: Anywhere between none to about just 20 minutes.
Materials required: The right mindset
Space required: A gym/ health club, the local park or your apartment complex.

Hometown blues
When visiting your hometown, with all the aunties, uncles, cousins and kids, it is quite certain that your fitness goes right at the bottom of your to-do list. Don’t frets says Sangeetha. “Replace your exercise routine with simpler activities like taking the stairs or walking to the market. Climbing the stairs is an excellent way to stay in shape.”

Sangeetha also suggests planning in advance. “In the few weeks preceding your holiday, increase your exercise intensity, be stricter with your diets and so on, so that you minimise the negative effects of the sweets, savouries and everything else your holiday has to offer.” However, if confined to your room, pick up some basic asanas like the Suryanamaskara.

Time taken: None
Materials required: Walking shoes, literally and figuratively
Space required: Go ahead, paint the entire town red or stick to your room!

Festive affairs
Fitness and health expert Wanitha Ashok believes that the festive season is no excuse to cut down the exercise. “The calorie intake outdoes the calorie expenditure. But, small bouts of exercise will help curtail the calorie gain, making your target weight loss lot lesser and additionally, helping digestion”, she says.

Wanitha suggests some simple exercises that can be done at home. “The simplest exercises are spot jogging or skipping, even in front of your television for around 15 to 20 minutes.” Wanitha adds, “With the party season setting in, set yourself loose. Put on your favourite music and dance freestyle for 40 minutes. This gives a lot of cardio activity.”

Time taken: 20-40 minutes
Materials required: Walking shoes, water bottles filled with water or sand for resistance.
Space required: Any that is available in the vicinity of your home.