The 12 Days After Christmas … and Beyond

Let’s face it. The partridge in a pear tree is so 1780. These days, it seems all we get from our true love is five extra pounds, four nights of midnight refrigerator raids, three additional inches, two love handles and a New Year’s resolution we annually – and regrettably – repeat.

It’s what we do on those days after Christmas that can set the course for a new year of health, wellness and happiness. So baste that turkey with pride, slip that pie into the oven with glee and strap on your New Years party hat with pride … then follow these 12 simple steps to jump-start your 2010 fitness goals.

1. The Last Day of 2009: New Years Party Prep!
It’s New Years Eve – time for that party! The house may need a little sprucing up, but never fear … you can work out while preparing for the evening’s festivities! Put in your ear buds, strap on your MP3 player and get to work (dancing while doing common household chores can nearly double the amount of calories burned per hour). Dusting, for example, burns around 130 calories per hour; throw in some dance moves and you can bring that number up to around 400 calories per hour! And don’t forget to stretch while you clean, as well. Stretching creates a healthier muscle structure to support weight loss. Also, don’t forget to pop a strawberry or raspberry into that New Years glass of champagne … the antioxidants in the berries offer protection against the aging effects of free radicals (and the bonus fruit tastes great!).

2. The First Day 2010: Treat Yourself!
Thankfully for our waistlines, the holiday season only comes once a year, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with treating yourself (within moderation, of course) – especially with all those delicious leftovers at your beckoned call! Give yourself a break – you deserve it – and allow yourself one more go at those holiday delicacies.

3. The Second Day of 2010: Jump Start the New You in a New Year
This is it! Day one of 2010. If fitness goals are part of your New Years resolution – and I hope that wellness is at the forefront of everyone’s mind this holiday season – then today is the day to put your plans into action. Enlist support from family and friends as your aim for a healthier lifestyle, keep up with your 12 Days After Christmas week-long activity routine, make an appointment with a local nutritionist or wellness professional to get you started on the right track.

4. The Third Day of 2010: Take Down that Tree
Anyone who has ever displayed a live tree in their home over the holidays knows the joys of cleaning up those pesky needles after the tree has been dragged to the curb. Did you know, however, that you could burn upwards of 260 calories per hour simply by vacuuming your home? Put some bounce in your step and say “goodbye” to those pine needles (and your waistline) once and for all!

5. The Fourth Day of 2010: Cook – and Work – Off those Leftovers
Did you know that you can burn up to 86 calories per hour when cooking delicious, healthy food for yourself and your family? Add some music and some bounce to your step and you can bump that number up to around 164 calories per hour. And with all those holiday leftovers calling your name, why not get creative with preparation and burn off the calories you are going to eat?

6. The Fifth Day of 2010: Make the Returns Line Work (Out) for You
It’s inevitable. We all have to stand in the dreaded returns line at our neighborhood department stores after the holidays. But why not make the errand work for you? Simple aerobic exercise can help get you back in tip-top shape post-holidays. Once you arrive at the store, try making laps through the aisles – a solid 15 minutes worth – before standing in line. Once you’ve collected your refunds and made your exchanges, take another few laps before you head back to your car. Get that heart rate up!

7. The Sixth Day of 2010: Plug in that New Game System … and Use It!
We adults need be afraid of video games no longer! Many gaming systems actually encourage fitness these days (believe it or not). Nintendo’s Wii offers numerous fitness titles that get you – and your kids – up off the couch and into the world of physical fitness. But don’t just stop at the Wii – nearly every system offers game titles that allow for dancing, running, jumping … the list is endless. So, plug in that system your kids found under the tree this year and join in.

8. The Seventh Day of 2010: Work-in (and Out) Holding Exercises
Our bodies have a much greater capacity for “holding” a weight than for “lifting” a weight, try to work a few holding exercises into your daily routine. Still have those brick-like fruitcakes – a gift from an estranged relative – on the shelf? Start holding! Start by holding a five-pound object in your right hand at 90-degree angle with your body for one – two minutes. Now try your left. Repeat a dozen times or so. Finally! A use for fruitcake!

9. The Eighth Day of 2010: Consider Joining a Gym
Working out at a gym can be daunting for some people, but most gyms offer group exercise classes like spinning, kickboxing or even dance that will not only help you burn calories and manage your weight, but are actually pretty fun! Fitness classes are also a great place to meet other like-minded people to help keep you motivated. And most gyms offer fantastic membership deals at the start of the new year. Give it a shot!

10. The Ninth Day of 2010: The Spring Season Begins … on Television
It’s okay to admit it – we all have our favorite television shows that we love. There’s nothing wrong with that! And once the tree has been taken down and the New Year has been rung in around the world, new episodes of our favorite dramas and comedies start popping back up on-air. Trying placing your treadmill, stationary bike or even a mini-trampoline in front of the television to avoid sedentary enjoyment. Before you know it, you will have logged a 30-minutes workout without even realizing it! If there’s nothing on television, try reading a book while exercising.

11. The Tenth Day of 2010: Spend Time with the Little Ones
Being active doesn’t have to be a chore. Spend time with your children playing games like tag or holding snowball fights. Not only will you burn calories and get your heart pumping, but you also get to enjoy some quality time with your kids in the process. You won’t even feel like you’re exercising (plus you’re helping your children to be healthy and active as well)!

12. The Eleventh Day of 2010: Reward Yourself!
You did it! You are well on your way to a better, healthier, happier you. You’ve logged nearly two weeks of physical activity, met with a wellness professional and set attainable goals for yourself in this new year. Congratulations! Now, reward yourself! Take a trip to the mall to buy that new shirt you’ve been eyeing or head down to the salon for a manicure. It’s helpful to keep a personal fitness journal, as well, and take detailed notes each day that you follow your exercise program. This allows you to actually see your progress … and proves that you deserve that reward!

Wellness doesn’t have to be “bah humbug,” and the holidays don’t have to be offset your health and fitness regimen. Enjoy the holidays, enjoy your family and revel in the prospect of a happier, healthier you. You can do it … beginning with those days after Christmas.

By Dr. Deirdre Habermehl

Dr. Deirdre Habermehl is board certified in gynecology and obstetrics and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She owns and operates the Habermehl Aesthetics and Wellness Center in Newport Beach, Calif., and specializes in comprehensive care for all patients, including basic health, wellness and nutrition consulations, bioidentical hormone replacement and noninvasive cosmetic procedures.