Stay Active During The Holidays!

Staying Active During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for relaxation, family gatherings, and delicious food. While it is easy to get caught up in the festivities, it is also important to stay active and prioritize your health. Fortunately for Floridians, the weather and variety of outdoor activities make it easy to incorporate exercise even during this busy time of year. Dr. Deryk Harting, a patient favorite at one of the highest rated car accident medical care facilities in the Tampa Bay area, shares ideas for an active and healthy holiday.

1. Take Advantage of Florida’s Sunshine

The mild winter temperatures in Florida create a great environment for outdoor exercise. There are countless possibilities for outdoor activities that will help you stay active in the sunshine. Consider going for a morning walk, bike, or jog around your neighborhood or local park. Many parks and trails in Florida offer scenic paths perfect for walking or running. Even a simple stroll along the beach can be a great way to incorporate movement while enjoying the ocean breeze.

2. Outdoor Sports and Recreation

Florida’s weather makes it an ideal place to enjoy outdoor sports. Whether you are into tennis, basketball, or pickleball, there are plenty of opportunities to play during the holiday season. Many cities have community centers and parks with available courts. If you are near the coast or lakes, water sports are a fantastic way to stay fit. Try kayaking or paddle boarding where calm waters make for a great workout. For something more adventurous, there’s snorkeling or scuba diving off the coast of Miami or the Keys. Golf is also a popular pastime in Florida. Walking the course instead of using a cart provides cardio, while swinging your clubs offers a fun way to get some exercise and socialization with family and friends.

3. Plan Family-Friendly Activities

The holidays are a great time to connect with family, and there are many activities that everyone can enjoy together. Head to a local park for a game of touch football or frisbee. You can also organize a scavenger hunt, have a picnic, or do holiday-themed activities like going for a holiday light walk. Additionally, there are local attractions such as Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, ZooTampa or national parks like Honeymoon Island or Weedon Island Preserve. These places offer lots of walking and other activities which provide exercise without feeling like a typical workout.

4. Keep Up with Your Regular Routine

Even during the holiday season, it is important to stay consistent with your fitness routine. If you normally work out at a gym, try to keep up with your regular visits. Many gyms offer special holiday hours or even virtual classes, so you can still get in a workout if you are traveling. If you do not have access to a gym or prefer to stay home, there are plenty of bodyweight exercises that require no equipment. Try doing a quick 20-30 minute routine at home with bodyweight squats, lunges, push-ups, or planks. Many of these routines, as well as yoga and stretching workouts, can be found online and are a great way to maintain fitness during the holidays.

Staying active during the holiday season does not have to be a chore. In Florida, the combination of great weather, outdoor spaces, and unique recreational activities makes it easier to stay active and fit. Whether you are walking along the beach, playing sports with family, or trying a new outdoor activity, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the season while maintaining an active lifestyle.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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