REINDEER GAMES
The holiday rush is officially in full-swing. In order to get everything done, my workouts are usually the first to be sacrificed - though, holiday preparation is a lot like a core workout sprinkled with a dash of endurance training:
There are heavy packages to lift, hold and carry excessive distances since the only parking spots available are the ones ½ mile away. Sprints to run as you dart from store-to-store and up-and-down the aisles of the grocery store looking for obscure items like marshmallow fluff (fyi - it's next to the peanut butter). And who needs yoga class when decorating requires you to squat, stretch and balance on one leg? It's no wonder we're exhausted at the end of the day.
You can also get your jingle on with this clever workout created by a runner named Riley. Just turn on holiday music and...
Do 10 jumping jacks when you hear "Santa/Kris Kringle/St. Nick"
10 push-ups when you hear "Reindeer"
3 burpees when you hear "Christmas"
10 crunches when you hear reference to cold weather or snow
Just like training for a race, all that holiday sweat and preparation pays off as you celebrate a miracle, enjoy time with family and friends, make someone's day with the perfect gift, eat marvelous homemade goodies, go for an unrushed run (followed by an even more un-rushed steaming mug of spiked hot chocolate with your running partner) and catch-up on a little sleep - preferably a nap in front of the fire.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or the end of another year, we wish you a joyous holiday that warms your heart and soles!