This season, toss the “but it’s the holidays” excuse and join us as we move more, eat smart, and create healthy new traditions — together!
This time of year can be a whirlwind of get-togethers, shopping, planning, and indulging in your favorite annual treats. Amid all that, it can be easy to put self-care last on your to-do list. But keeping up with your fitness and health strategies can actually help you enjoy the season even more.
“Making time to exercise, eat better, and be more mindful can help you sleep better, have more energy, and even put you in the right mood for all of the holiday fun,” says SilverSneakers LIVE trainer Shannon Thigpen.
“Plus, it can be easy and fun to create new holiday traditions that give you time for yourself, while still catching up with friends and family,” Shannon adds.
That’s where our Healthy Holidays Challenge comes in.
How the Healthy Holidays Challenge Works
For the next four weeks, we’ll be unwrapping our best tips for staying healthy, happy, and, yes, even calm during this busy time of year.
The challenge is open to everyone, including SilverSneakers members and non-members. (Not sure if health plan includes SilverSneakers? You can check your eligibility here.) Follow along here on the SilverSneakers blog and our Facebook page to see the latest challenge activities.
Here’s a peek at what’s to come:
- New workouts created by Shannon to hike feel-good endorphins
- Simple mindfulness strategies that you can tap into anytime, anywhere
- Ideas to keep gym sessions exciting (even on those dark mornings!)
- Healthy eating strategies that allow for all your holiday favorites
- Practical ways to set (and uphold) boundaries with friends and family
- Ideas to get ahead of the winter blues
- And more!
Ready to get started? Here’s your first challenge activity:
Today: Commit to a Holiday Season Fitness Streak
The concept of a fitness streak is simple: “From now until New Year’s Eve, do at least 10 minutes of any kind of physical activity every day,” says Shannon. That will get you on your way to meeting the 150-minutes of weekly exercise that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends for older adults.
Need ideas?
- Attend a SilverSneakers class at your participating gym or other Community location
- RSVP to one of our 20+ SilverSneakers LIVE classes — there are several express classes that pack a punch in just 15 short minutes! (View the current schedule here.)
- Take a brisk walk after meals
- Do some strength exercises during TV commercial breaks. (Here’s a quick 10-minute home routine to try.)
- Start and end your day with some gentle stretches. (Here are 10 you can do while seated.)
As always, safety is key. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program. If you have a chronic condition, an injury, or balance issues, ask them about how you can exercise safely.
To make your fitness streak even more fun, Shannon encourages you to invite friends and family to join you. In fact, why not commit to Shannon’s bonus challenge?
Bonus Challenge: Give the Gift of Fitness This Year
“Invite your family and friends to join you in committing to a healthy holiday season,” says Shannon.
Instead of a gift exchange with friends, for example, you can suggest attending a SilverSneakers class together, she suggests.
“Or you can power walk or head to the bowling alley with your kids or grandkids instead of settling on the couch for a holiday movie,” she adds. “Most of all, keep in mind that staying active can be a fun new tradition — and it’s one you can share with everyone.”
Check Your SilverSneakers Eligibility Instantly
SilverSneakers members can go to thousands of gyms and fitness locations across the nation, plus take SilverSneakers LIVE online classes that are designed for seniors of all levels. If you have a Medicare plan, it may include SilverSneakers—at no additional cost. Check your eligibility instantly here.
Not eligible for SilverSneakers? You can still get 200+ free SilverSneakers On-Demand videos and stay in touch with us by creating your online account.
The post Take the Healthy Holidays Challenge With SilverSneakers! appeared first on SilverSneakers.
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In conclusion, the Healthy Holidays Challenge with SilverSneakers is a great opportunity to stay active and healthy during the holiday season. By joining the challenge, you can create healthy new traditions and stay on track with your fitness and nutrition goals. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to neglect your health, and instead, take the challenge and make the most of the season.
In conclusion, the Healthy Holidays Challenge with SilverSneakers is a great opportunity to stay healthy and active during the holiday season. By joining the challenge, individuals can create healthy new traditions and avoid the common excuse of the holidays. SilverSneakers is committed to helping individuals stay healthy and active, and the Healthy Holidays Challenge is just one of the many ways the company is fulfilling this mission.
In conclusion, the Healthy Holidays Challenge with SilverSneakers is a great opportunity to prioritize health and wellness during the holiday season. By joining the challenge, individuals can move more, eat smart, and create healthy new traditions with the support of the SilverSneakers community. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to neglect your health, take the challenge and make the most of the season.
In conclusion, the Healthy Holidays Challenge with SilverSneakers is a great opportunity to stay healthy and active during the holiday season. By joining the challenge, you can create healthy new traditions and stay on track with your fitness goals. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to skip your workouts and indulge in unhealthy foods. Take the challenge and stay healthy and fit with the support and guidance of the SilverSneakers community.