12/16/2009
Written By: Kate Foley
Category: Student Life   
School(s):

It’s no surprise that we eat more during the holidays than at any other time of year. For one, Thanksgiving was created specifically for eating; giving thanks for a bountiful harvest would be wasteful if you didn’t enjoy the harvest while you’re at it. And when everyone gets together during the holidays, nothing says “enjoy spending time with your weird, dysfunctional family” better than a table full of food.

The problem with this family bonding time is that, while you’re laughing it up over turkey, your body is being bombarded with calories, carbs and fat galore. It’s cold outside, so outdoor activities are put on hold, and you don’t have much option but to sit on the couch and watch “A Christmas Story” ten times in a row…right? Wrong. We’ve got a list of indoor workouts to help you fight off the ham, sweet potatoes and innumerable pies, candy and cookies from attacking your waistline.
Take advantage of the local Y. Most towns have a YMCA or similar public recreation center. Memberships are usually much cheaper than a gym, and they have plenty of workout equipment, swimming pool, and indoor sports to keep you in shape. Plus, the New Year usually brings discounts on memberships to help with your resolutions.

Buy a workout video. Honestly, cheesy 1980s videotapes like Jane Fonda or “Buns of Steel” will have you losing calories just by laughing. Watching these women (and men!) in Flashdance spandex is always entertaining. Invite some friends over for a group workout; pop in a “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” tape, burn some calories while making fun of the instructor, and then whip up some healthy smoothies after.

Take a self-defense class. Many facilities offer New Year’s specials for classes like kickboxing, karate, or self-defense after the holidays. They know you’ve indulged over vacation, and want to motivate you to get fit again while kicking butt. Release some pent-up energy on a punching bag while shedding pounds is fun and rewarding, and most classes are offered in the evening so you can take them once school is back in session, too.

So go ahead, take that third slice of pecan pie. You can battle the calories in January, when the holidays are over.