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YMCA of Central Stark County

To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

10 Simple and Effective Exercise "Tricks" to Keep You Healthy This Holiday Season!

By Rudi Hiney, Personal Training Director, North Canton YMCA; Andrea Lee, Health & Fitness Director, Alliance Family YMCA; Erin Wilson, Wellness Director, Lake Community YMCA.

1. Set goals that you would like to achieve  - these can be short term, long term or both. Tell someone about them to help keep you accountable and encourage you along the way.

2. Determine the best time of day that would work for you and fit into your schedule.  We always recommend that scheduling workout time on your calendar is essential because every other appointment is in there and this time needs to be blocked off as well.   

3. Find someone to exercise with – spouse, friend or even someone you recently met at the Y.  This accountability piece works on so many levels and creates an atmosphere of “we are in this together.”

4. If someone has specific questions, we recommend seeking the help of a professional (like a Certified Personal Trainer) to help them get started and develop the knowledge and confidence to be successful.

5. Take a 5-minute walk. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise. Although this goal seems like a lot and can be daunting to beginners, a simple 5 minute walk counts as beneficial. The most important aspect of exercise is getting started!

6. Don’t fast forward through a commercial. Don’t cut out your TV time in general but learn how to multitask while doing so. Converting TV commercials into some sort of activity can lead to weight loss, strength gain and calories burned. Use every commercial as a cue to get up and move!

7. Amp up your playlist. Think about some songs that make you happy or make you sing karaoke in the car.  Add those to your playlist and when you are losing motivation or want to quit, play that song to keep you moving.

8. Try a new venue or class. Sometimes going to the same place and repeating a workout or going to a familiar class loses its spark.  Take your workout somewhere new (park or different gym) or try a new class that seems intimidating.  A change of scenery is an easy way to regain that motivation.

9. Do it for a cause. Find something important to you and dedicate your workout to the cause.  There are so many organizations that use exercise to raise money for a good cause.  Find your cause and support it while getting your exercise in.

10. Keep the positive going and have FUN!