Its November- temperatures are falling and the days are getting shorter. As we head into the winter months, many people will want to stay warm indoors. While it’s tempting to curl up on the couch, being inactive during the winter months has its consequences. On average, Americans gain a pound during the winter holidays and unfortunately, this extra weight is not lost over the remainder of the year, and can add up year after year.

To prevent that extra weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, increase your physical activity. The CDC recommends adults get 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise each week and muscle-strengthening exercise on 2 or more days a week. So before you get into too much of a rut, here are some reasons to keep you motivated and active all season long:

• Bored? Mix it up! Don’t get stuck in a workout rut. Did you know that your body can get used to an exercise? After a while your same workout won’t have the same effects. Try and incorporate a new exercise every few weeks to keep you motivated and keep your body guessing.
• Activities outdoors=vitamin D. Humans synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. If you’re cooped up inside all winter you may become deficient in this important nutrient! Spending time outside even on cloudy days can up your vitamin D levels. So try to spend 20 minutes on cloudy or winter days, and 10 minutes on sunny days walking or being active outside.
• Physical Activity can help reduce stress. The holiday season can certainly be a stressful time. Family obligations, work pressures, and travel may be common. Being active regularly can reduce your risk of depression and may help you sleep better. So work-out to improve your mood!

Want to know more?

Benefits of Physical Activity

How much physical activity do you need? http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/index.html

Make the most of play!