'No Excuses' Winter Workouts

'No Excuses' Winter Workouts	2/1/2011


Though the weather outside is frightful, that's no excuse to hibernate! Regular exercise can help regulate your blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol - and reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. "Any activity is good activity," says Michael See, MS, RCEP, clinical exercise physiologist with the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, who coaches people through the winter blahs. "Consider home-based activities," he adds, "housework, exercise videos, dancing - whatever you find enjoyable." Climbing stairs and lifting light weights are a great way to start. Check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program. Also, monitor blood sugar levels and ketones (a type of acid) in your urine before and after workouts to make sure you're staying within a safe range. Here are some helpful hints: Break it up. Exercise 30 minutes a day - even if it's in 10 minute sessions. Join a gym. Many gyms offer short-term memberships. Overcome gym boredom by taking a fitness class. Read and walk. Multitask while you're on a treadmill. Listen to audio books, podcasts or music. Layer up and warm up. Going outdoors? Wear three layers over your torso, warm socks and shoes, gloves, plus a hat and scarf. Warm up indoors before you head outside. CHANGE YOUR HABITS. Stay fit year-round by being active during your daily routine. Walk around while on the phone. Don't stay seated for more than 30 minutes at a time. Do leg lifts while you watch TV. Go to a museum, flea market or mall, when spending time with friends, rather than joining them for a meal. In the Know by Melissa Abernathy - Diabetes Dec2010/Jan2011 edition visit www.healthmonitor.com for more articles.