1. Holidays can be a Needed Recovery Time: If you had a particularly demanding Fall dance season, taking a break from dance can be the best gift for overall health. Now, I’m not advocating a total shut down status, but rather recommend taking any available opportunities for cross training, including yoga, Pilates, and gyrotonics. If you “must” dance, think about working on technical and strength skills that you don’t usually have time to address.
2. Strike a Solid Balance: Many traditional holiday dishes aren’t perhaps the most nutritious offerings. However, if you try to balance out the table with other selections that are more beneficial for overall health, you can still enjoy the unique offerings of the holiday.
3. Limit the Pre-Meal Snacking: Leave plenty of room for that holiday feast by reducing pre-meal snacks that might be tasty but commonly are full of unneeded salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats.
4. Slow Down and Slim Down at Mealtime: With a bounty of tantalizing foods, many people load up plates with large servings and then hurry through a first course to get to a second (or more) course. Use the size of your fist as a guide for a more proper serving size. Try to slow down between bites and wait for at least 20 minutes before going for another plate. Giving more time allows for a sense of fullness and less chance of overeating.
5. Make choices to Boost your Immune System: Vitamin C (commonly found in citrus fruits) can be beneficial for fighting infection, as can other anti-inflammatory items such as fish oil, flaxseed, ginger, and turmeric. Reducing processed foods and high sugar-content foods (can be tough with holiday sweets) can also be good for the immune system. Remember that moderate levels of exercise (4-5 days a week, 30-45 minutes a day) can support a stronger immune system.
6. Take the Family for a Turkey Walk Off: Speaking of exercise, rather than succumb to that post-Turkey nap, gather up family and friends and go for a brisk walk between meal and dessert. This will help overcome that food coma and give you more energy for the rest of the day.
7. Shop for Good Fitness: From grocery store runs to finding perfect gifts, shopping trips are another beloved staple of the holidays. While many might covet that prized close parking spot, parking the car farther away and getting in more steps can be a fitness bonus. If you are one to line up for precious deals, don’t be afraid to pass the time with exercise (push-ups, air squats, and even balancing on one foot) rather than just sitting or standing around. If you aren’t rushing to a particular sale, take time to window shop for 10-15 minutes before entering stores. Use the stairs instead of escalators or elevators and step up your shopping fitness for all year round.
8. Keep regular bedtimes and good sleep habits: During breaks from dance, school, and work, getting out of usual sleep routines can lead to less sleep and nightmares for the immune system. Younger children with less than 9-10 hours of sleep a night and teenagers with less than 8 hours of sleep are at higher risk for both illness and injury.
9. Be Truly Thankful: Part of good holiday health and fitness is the mental and emotional boost that comes from taking time to give appropriate thanks, especially for important people in your life.

The post Athletes & Dancers: How to Eat, Drink & Still Be Healthy Over the Holidays appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Active Fun in the Sun

Exercising doesn’t have to be boring, but sometimes it feels that way when you’ve done the same workout day after day. Getting outside is one way to beat that boredom. Now that you call 

Orange County home, you can find plenty of activities to do under the sun that will give you a good workout. Here are some of the best ways to get outside and get your body moving.

Surfing and Paddleboarding

Huntington Beach offers lovely beaches where you can fish and learn to paddleboard. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things. For instance, if you’ve never been surfing or kitesurfing before, consider taking surfing lessons here. Several beaches in the Orange County area also offer classes for all ages, and it’s a great workout for the entire body.

Horseback Riding

Riding on horseback works your entire core, so it’s a wonderful workout for your back, pelvic area, and abs. It’s also something you can do with the entire family, making it a perfect activity for the weekend that will allow you to have fun while getting in shape. 

Dog Walking

It can be difficult for new arrivals to the city to find time to workout amid crazy work schedules, so combining exercise with daily activities is ideal. Dogs need lots of exercise, so you can use your time wisely and find activities for both of you to do daily. This can include hiking, running along the beach, or walking through one of the many dog-friendly parks in Orange County.

Sites like OCDogFriendly.com not only list outdoor and indoor locations that welcome dogs, they also recommend adoption locations. If you are new to the city and don’t have a furry friend, why not adopt and learn about your new home together. After that workout, you can even grab a bite to eat at one of Orange County’s many dog friendly restaurants.

Take in Some History

There are plenty of historic locations in Orange County, and these are great places to get in some activity while learning about the amazing past of the place you now call home. Heritage Hill Historical Park and Founder’s Park offer several historical sites, such as the area’s oldest homes and churches and authentic adobes. Put on some comfortable shoes and get ready for an education while you put in your steps for the day.

Hiking

Orange County is famous for its gorgeous beaches with hiking trails, and there are several with different levels of difficulty. If you’re an experienced hiker, try Whiting Ranch, Santiago Canyon, and Ortega Highway. For easier trails, try Crystal Cove State Park, San Clemente, or of course, Huntington Beach.

With so much to do outdoors, you are sure to find ways to keep in shape. Not only that, you may make some new friends along the way. Orange County is not only a great place to stay active, but have tons of fun as well. You don’t have to wait until you are done unpacking. Get out there, explore, and have fun in your new home.

The post Active Fun Around Orange County: A Newcomer’s Guide appeared first on Backstage Socal.