Thanksgiving is gone , which means we'll all face some unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to keeping up our heart-healthy exercise routine. Maybe you'll be traveling to visit relatives or you might be having them stay at your house—either way, keeping up your normal exercise pattern might be tough. You may not be near your regular gym (or have the time to get there even if you do stay home) or have access to the equipment you're used to. Instead of skipping your standard workouts and then feeling guilty about it, be creative about activity. Try one of these fun suggestions for staying fit:
Shop 'Til You Drop
Shopping has become one of the biggest Thanksgiving traditions, and believe it or not, getting out to the local stores can be a great calorie burner. You can find many opportunities to be active just by hustling from store to store and standing in line. But you can also take advantage of the old standbys of parking further from the store and taking stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. Add to your total steps for the day by walking each gift out to your vehicle between purchases.
It's also a great idea to work on your core strength and balance by standing on one foot while you're waiting in a long line. Be sure to contract your abdominals as well as the buttocks and thigh muscles of your standing leg to prevent leaning to one side and putting too much stress on your hip.
Take an Urban Hike
If you'd rather steer clear of the crowds, head outdoors for a hike. Fall is a beautiful time to get away from the hustle and bustle, and all you need is a local park, greenway or arboretum for a short hike that the whole family can enjoy together. The great thing about sticking to these spots is that there are typically short loops. Unlike many advanced hiking trails that can be longer, steeper and are either out and back routes or much longer loops, the short urban options can help you accommodate all ages and abilities in your family.
The more fit and energetic family members can do multiple loops while the little ones can stop to feed the ducks and those who aren't up for such a big workout can rest on benches.
Rake It in
Forget about yardwork—instead, make piles of leaves and then jump in or knock them down. Or use them to hide in; try helping the younger kids play a game of hide and seek using several piles of leaves as the hiding spots. Cover them up and see who can stay quiet long enough to avoid being found.
Kid around
A little unstructured playtime can relieve some holiday stress for the adults and keep the kids from either bouncing off the walls or falling into the television/video game trap. When the opportunity is there, kids are naturals at creating fun out of thin air. Take everyone outside for a game of Red Rover, Red Light/Green Light, Simon Says or tag. Or make up teams and play kickball or flag football.
Get Lost
If you celebrate Thanksgiving in a rural spot, there is a good chance you can find a corn maze nearby. A maze is a life-size puzzle cut into a field of corn, and you and your family will be led on an adventure, following clues to see if you can find the center of the maze and back out again. Some mazes involve playing games like answering quiz questions in order to get clues on which way to turn. And many also have other entertainment and arts and crafts, homemade goods and fall fruits and vegetables for sale.
Pick a Peck
Look for an apple orchard or pumpkin patch that allows you to "pick your own." Fill up a basket of apples to take home or some pumpkins to help decorate the house. The whole family can find something to enjoy: Many farms also have animals, hayrides and games and activities for children.
There is something for everyone when it comes to being active on Thanksgiving—indoors or out, competitive or just for fun—so start a new family tradition that gets everyone up and moving and helping protect their heart before the big dinner. And when you finally settle into that easy chair to watch your holiday favorites on television or to the table to enjoy your meal, there will be no guilt about not getting a good workout in that day!
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