Staying Active During The Holiday Season

Thanksgiving has many meanings, but one consistent theme is food, and lots of it.

Cookeville Leisure Services Special Programs Coordinator Jen Webb said working off a holiday meal can be as simple as carving out 30 minutes to be active. Webb said Thanksgiving is a great time to indulge and also get into motion, instead of regretting Thanksgiving meals.

“It can be as simple as taking your dog for an extra walk, taking the stairs when you have the opportunity,” Webb said. “Right after Thanksgiving is a good time to get down your Christmas decorations, so maybe taking it up the stairs to the attic or pulling out all the decor can help.”

Webb said building an exercise routine three to five times a week and controlling portions means everything when it comes to fitness. While it might be cold outside, there are still options for exercise.

“Three to five times a week will help even if it’s something that you do inside,” Webb said. “There are tons of things that you can logon to and do from your home, Leisure Services also has several of our fitness classes on Youtube, so you can just do those from the comfort of your living room.”

Webb said now is the best time to start small instead of trying to wait for that New Year’s Resolution. She said that makes a difference when someone does decide to start going to the gym or committing themselves to fitness.

“Every bit of progress is still progress, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” Webb said. “Keeping your body moving and making sure that you’re getting lots of water and paying attention to eating fruits and vegetables and trying to throw in as many whole foods as you can. It really makes a huge difference, all those little things add up.”

Webb works at the Cane Creek Recreation Center. She said there are options for group fitness classes inside at the rec center.