INTRODUCTION
Decking the halls doesn’t have to be a passive endeavour. By incorporating a few creative twists, your holiday decorating can double as a form of physical activity. This article will offer practical tips to stay active during a holiday by decorating to keep your body moving as you bring seasonal cheer into your home.
HAULING DECORATIONS – LIFTING AND CARRYING
Retrieving boxes of decorations from storage areas like basements or upper floors can be a workout in itself. Use proper lifting techniques and make multiple trips to engage your legs, arms and core, turning the task into a full-body workout.
STRINGING LIGHTS – REACH AND STRETCH
When it comes to hanging lights around your house or on the tree, use it as an opportunity to stay active during a holiday by decorating. This can be a great way to stretch your arms and legs. Utilise a stable ladder to reach higher points, engaging your core for balance and your branches for handiness.
TREE TRIMMING – SQUATS AND STRETCHES
To stay active during a holiday by decorating your tree, perform squats when placing ornaments on the lower branches and calf raises or tiptoes when reaching for higher ones. Squats and stretches will engage your leg muscles while adding a touch of physical effort to the festive activity.
WREATH-MAKING – HAND AND ARM ACTIVITY
Crafting your wreaths allows you to work on your hand-eye coordination and engage your arm muscles. Stay active during a holiday by decorating, whether cutting, tying or arranging elements. Each movement can be a mini-activity session for your upper body.
DIY GARLAND – SEATED CORE ENGAGEMENT
While crafting garlands, sit on an activity ball to engage your core. The instability of the ball makes your muscles work harder to keep you balanced, thereby adding a fitness component to this crafty undertaking.
SETTING THE TABLE – LUNGES AND WALKS
Turn the act of setting the holiday table into a mini workout. Carry one item at a time from the kitchen to the dining area, lunging or performing high knees along the way. Stay active during a holiday by decorating the back-and-forth movement, which adds extra steps and engages various muscle groups.
MANTEL DECORATING – CARDIO BURSTS
Spice up your mantel decorating with cardio bursts. After placing each item, do a set of jumping jacks or quick high knees. Cardio bursts will elevate your heart rate and introduce a cardiovascular element to your decorating.
OUTDOOR DISPLAYS – AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC MIX
Setting up elaborate outdoor displays can involve digging, lifting and bending. Incorporate brief jogging intervals or speed walks around the yard between tasks to turn the experience into a balanced mix of aerobic and anaerobic activity.
GIFT WRAPPING – DESK PUSH-UPS
Turn your gift-wrapping station into a mini gym. Between wrapping each gift, perform a few desk push-ups or seated leg lifts to incorporate strength training into the process.
WINDOW DRESSINGS – MOBILITY AND BALANCE
Positioning holiday-themed window dressings offers an opportunity for light stretching and balance activities. Stay active during a holiday by decorating to take advantage of the moments when you’re reaching or bending, including a quick stretch for your arms, legs or back.
CONCLUSION
Holiday decorating is a cherished tradition that brings joy and warmth to your home, and it’s also a fantastic way to stay active during a holiday by decorating. With creativity, it can also serve as an avenue for staying active. From lifting boxes to crafting garlands, each task offers an opportunity to engage your muscles and elevate your heart rate, making holiday decorating a win-win for your home, health and wellbeing.