Five Reasons to Keep Working Out Over the Holidays

Life is hectic. The holiday's come upon us and that is  just one more thing to add to the plate. Sometimes, it seems easier to take our health off the priority list when these busy times come around. So, to keep us remembering why we workout and why it is important to continue over the holidays, I have made the list of top five reasons to stay fit during this yuletide season. 

Energy

When we work out on a regular basis, our metabolism gets kicked up and our bodies will actually produce more energy. Best to work out in the morning before your day starts... You will have enough energy (and time) to workout, and your workout will give back in the form of more energy!

Happiness

Scientists have proven that when we work out (having a heart rate between 65-85 bpm for at least 30 minutes) our brains increase production of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Serotonin and dopamine increase pleasure receptors and endorphins decrease pain receptors. When we work out, we are, actually, helping fight depression and anxiety... Both of which increase during the holidays.

Food

During this time of year I eat, a lot. And what I eat is not all celery and ginger root. Cookies, pie, and more cookies are on my menu. Working out regularly keeps our minds more in check of what we are eating. Meaning, we will not have to starve ourselves from that fifth cookie, we will just not want it. Just remember that this door swings both ways- Over exercising has a direct correlation with over-eating. Don't do it! Keep exercises to between 30 minutes and 1 hour and you should be set!

Goals

January is coming and so are all those new year's goals. Get the upper hand on them by continuing to work out. Instead of leaving the holiday season at our biggest weight yet, we can start the new year just as happy and healthy as we were the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Health

No one wants to go to a holiday party with the sniffles or have to stay in bed during gift opening. Continual moderate exercise increases the production of macrophages (white blood cells produced inside live tissue) and has a direct link to people getting fewer colds. Skip the Day Quill this season and hit the gym instead... A little extra vitamin C never hurts either.