The holidays are just as good as any day to get some movement in. Researchers say that the average person gains 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and the New Year. If that's not incentive enough to get out and take a walk or do some activities, THEN I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS! We all know how we can get carried away on Thanksgiving and Christmas with shoving food down our throats. I am just as guilty as the next person. I sit around and eat, watch movies, or play board games. I also know that with family around there can be additional stress. What better way to remove some of that stress than with some boxing or aerobics?

I have learned, just as many of you have, that getting started is always the hard part! Try this: after you have a meal, or a light snack, let your food digest for about an hour or two. This gives your body time to digest the food and to absorb your insulin. Waiting an hour or two will also provide you with the energy you need to get some movement going. After relaxing for a bit, get up, stretch out a little, and then practice some punching and kicking combos. You may feel a little funny a first, but once you realize all the benefits that you get from boxing you'll want to make this a regular part of your exercise routine.

I have learned from experience that not only will this stuff kick your butt, but you will be able to kick someone else's ! Seriously though. I have gained so much confidence, just as you will, from practicing boxing. I have regular clients that I train just in martial arts, mostly kickboxing and boxing. I find that I am approached mostly by women. They really love throwing some jabs and kicking the bags!

Cardiovascular exercise is AN EXCELLENT way to keep your sugars down! Try shadow boxing in the air, for 30 minutes. Give yourself some frequent water and rest periods. If you're REALLY into it, you'll be so worked up and feeling good that you'll have no choice but to stop for a second! Remember to always look for signs of low blood sugar. I find that sipping on some juice while working out is a good way to "combat" a low. Good luck, don't knock yourself out, and give me a holler with any questions!

Thanks,Andy.