Women's Life
Post-Holiday Shape-Up
So you indulged in those extra sweet and savoury treats this holiday and now the scale proves your past naughtiness. Don't despair, you're not alone. Studies everywhere show that most people gain a few extra pounds during the winter months when the weather brings us indoors and restricts our activities. Here are a few tips for enhancing your weight-loss and exercise goals:- Bundle up, get outside and walk. You'll increase your circulation, sending more oxygen and glucose to your brain, helping you feel more energized and less inclined to snack. Plus, your body will benefit from an additional dose of sunlight and Vitamin D, which is in shorter supply in the winter.
- Choose a calorie-burning exercise that utilizes the large muscle groups of your body, such as running, aerobics and weight training. You'll accelerate your metabolism, which in turn speeds and increases your weight loss efforts.
- Mix up your workouts. Your brain and body will both benefit from changing up your exercise activities.
Your body still benefits from short bursts of exercise, and begins to burn more calories after only two minutes of cardiovascular activity. By adding quick bursts of energy into your daily routine, such as climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator, you are making your heart and other muscles work harder, therefore burning more calories. So get moving - it all counts towards a healthier, happier and slimmer you.