INTRODUCTION
The holiday season is synonymous with joy, festivities and of course, shopping. However, the rush to get the perfect gifts often means less time for regular activity. Stay active with holiday shopping by incorporating practical solutions for physical activity into your holiday shopping routine.
PARK FARTHER AWAY
Resist the need to vie for that coveted parking spot near the entrance. Instead, choose to stay active with holiday shopping by parking at the furthest point in the lot. This simple act will not only reduce stress but also contribute significantly to your daily step goal, making those extra steps a warm-up for what’s ahead.
EMBRACE THE STAIRS
Malls and shopping centres often feature escalators and elevators for convenience. However, choosing the stairs is a small choice with a significant impact. Ascending stairs can burn more than twice the calories of walking and activate your core, glutes and constraints.
USE A BASKET INSTEAD OF A CART
Choose a handheld basket over a cart when you only have a few items on your list. A basket is a resistance tool, recruiting your arm and core muscles. Stay active with holiday shopping by managing a basket, which requires more attention and slightly boosts your calorie burn.
CARRY YOUR BAGS
Many people use a cart to lug around their multiple purchases. For a better workout, carry your bags yourself. The action mimics a dumbbell curl’s lifting and holding movements, working your arms, shoulders and even your posture.
THE ONE-TRIP RULE
Challenge yourself to carry all your shopping bags on one trip from the car to your home, and stay active with holiday shopping. The one trip not only works your muscles harder but also challenges your balance and stability, offering a comprehensive core workout you didn’t plan but definitely benefit from.
HIGH-INTENSITY SHOPPING
Why stroll when you can jog? Increase your speed as you navigate through stores or aisles. A brisk walking pace can substantially elevate your heart rate, and before you know it, you’ve included a cardio workout in your shopping trip.
RETAIL LUNGES AND SQUATS
Long checkout lines or waiting for an available fitting room? Utilise that time to perform a set of lunges or squats. While these activities may draw curious stares, they target your thighs, glutes and calves, making waiting time more productive.
TAKE SHOPPING BREAKS—ACTIVELY
While enjoying your holiday shopping, remember to stay active with holiday shopping by utilising breaks for light physical activity rather than just sitting on a bench or at a café. A simple stretch or a few jumping jacks can reactivate your muscles and reset your energy levels, better preparing you for the next round of shopping.
UTILISE WAITING TIME
Inevitably, there will be moments where you’re just waiting—whether it’s for a family member in the fitting room or for gift wrapping. Stay active with holiday shopping by using that time wisely. Engage in inconspicuous activities like wall sits or calf raises. These activities might not be high-intensity, but they’re certainly better than just standing around.
COOL DOWN WITH YOGA POSES
Before concluding your stay active with a holiday shopping adventure, find a quiet corner and take a few minutes to engage in some stretching or yoga poses. This cool-down session can help alleviate muscle tension, preparing you for the journey home.
CONCLUSION
Incorporating activity into your holiday shopping routine is easier than you think. You can transform a generally sedentary activity into a health-promoting one with just a few minor adjustments and some dedication. This holiday season, shop smart and stay active.