The festive season is upon us. It’s a joyful, celebratory, and special time of the year. Many of us work hard throughout the year to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. However, between desserts, sugary drinks and traveling to spend the holidays with friends and family, it can be tough to stay fit during the months of November and December. The gym often gets delayed or crossed off the schedule altogether due to running errands, picking up gifts, preparing for holiday visits or not wanting to venture out into the cold weather.
At Akers Ellis, we believe that health should be a priority year-round. To help make this a reality, we have compiled a list of tips to stay healthy this holiday season.
1. Participate in a Race
Most cities and towns now offer holiday-themed runs or other 5Ks around the holiday season. Preparing for a run or walk can help keep you motivated to workout. You can also invite your friends and family members to help keep each other accountable.
If you are visiting Kiawah or the Charleston area this holiday season, here are a few great running options you could partake in:
Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K - On Thanksgiving Day, have fun running or walking the 42nd Annual Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble in historic downtown Charleston.
Reindeer Run 5K - Presented by MUSC Children’s Hospital Fund, the 2019 Reindeer Run 5K will be held in the lower peninsula of downtown Charleston.
Jingle Bell Run - Put on your favorite holiday outfit and support The Arthritis Foundation at the Jingle Bell Run.
Kiawah Island Marathon - The annual Kiawah Island Marathon will take place on December 14, 2019. Throughout the weekend, there will be fun activities for runners and supporters alike.
Polar Bear Plunge - Start the New Year with a fun (and brave) activity. Dive into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island. Don’t forget to bring a towel!
2. Find a Workout Buddy
Spending time family members that you don’t see year-round can give you the opportunity for a new workout buddy. Help motivate each other to roll out of bed for an early morning group fitness class, pop in a workout DVD, or go for an after-dinner jog. If you will be staying at home for the holidays, you could also enlist a fitness-minded neighbor to encourage you to exercise with them.
3. Explore Kiawah Island on Bike
With over 30 miles of flat land on Kiawah Island, biking is a great choice to get outside for a little exercise. It can be a leisurely ride exploring the beautiful wetlands and sandy beaches, or you can go for distance by following the Kiawah Island bike path (a map is provided in all our rental properties). Another popular route is around Night Heron Park, with multiple ponds to tour while seeing a variety of wildlife. Afterward, you can grab a bite to eat at The Town Center Market in the East Beach Village. Looking for more trails? Check out the Top 10 Bike Routes on Kiawah as suggested by The Island Connection.
Most visitors rent bikes during their stay. We have several recommended companies from which you can rent bikes listed in our Guest Information Guide. Not only can you rent bikes, but they also offer accessories such as helmets, child seats, and trailers.
4. Get on the Water
If you haven’t tried kayaking or paddleboarding yet, it’s an all-around rewarding experience. Either activity provides cardiovascular fitness as well as muscle strength in the back, arms, shoulders, chest, and legs. Another benefit of kayaking or paddleboarding is the chance to discover the beauty of the barrier island of Kiawah. Tidal Trails offers guided and self-guided tours for all ages. No experience is necessary, and an introductory lesson is provided.
5. Take a Workout Class
On cooler days, going to an indoor fitness center would be a good choice. A great facility just minutes from Kiawah Island is Anytime Fitness. Located off Maybank Highway on Johns Island, it has everything you need to get a workout in during your stay. They also offer an exclusive discount for our vacation rental guests!
6. Drink Mostly Water
Soda, juices, and alcohol can rack up your caloric intake count quickly. Don’t deprive yourself of such treats, but indulge in moderation. This holiday season, if you cannot solely drink water, try to match one non-water drink with one glass of water.
7. Download a Fitness App
There are several apps that can be downloaded to help you stay on top of your exercise schedule and/or your food and drink choices. Here are a few great options that are free:
Nike+ Training Club - This app was designed by professional athletes and celebrities. The 185+ workouts focus on strength, endurance, or mobility and offer various levels of difficulty.
Lose It - Log your food and exercise to achieve wellness goals. This app also offers a recipe builder and exercise planner.
Peloton - Get access to up to 20 daily live studio classes. You don't need a Peloton bike! Find classes for cycling, running, bootcamp, yoga, strength, or outdoor workouts.
8. Challenge Yourself
Whether it involves trying a new exercise every day, testing different yoga poses, experimenting with a running workout or even walking the neighborhood looking at holiday decorations daily, a challenge can keep you determined to stay active during the holidays. It’s a fun and exciting time of year, and remember there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to find a perfect way to stay active!
