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Shoppercise
During the holidays, the mall is like an obstacle course. You
weave in and out to dodge oncoming shoppers. You shift your
armloads of bags from side to side, trying your best not to whack
the man resting on the bench as you pass. Shopping amidst the
holiday crowds can be a test of your will and your patience, but
it can also sharpen your reflexes and give you a bit of a workout.
Here are some more ways to exercise more than just your charge
card while you're out shopping:
* Park farther away. You may have no choice when the malls get
crowded. Rather than fuming in frustration, stalking exiting
shoppers for their spot, or wasting gas wandering the lot, go
ahead and park out in the hinterlands. The walk will improve your
circulation, increase your respiration, and give you the energy
you need to face the crowds.
* Take a warm-up lap. Circling the mall once will give you a quick
lay of the land and a little more time to stretch your legs and
get warmed up.
* Strap on your pedometer. These little gadgets can be really
motivating. Just seeing the steps you take accumulate could
inspire you to keep right on walking past the food court's
temptations.
* The weighting game. Long lines may seem like idle time, but not
if you sport some stealth fitness gear: a bulky winter coat could
conceal wrist weights, and ankle weights will provide an extra
layer of warmth for heading out into the cold. Oh, and the weights
will also provide some resistance exercise as you're going about
your merry business at the mall.
* Climb the stairs. It's one of those "no duh" ideas,
but check yourself next time you approach that escalator-or-stairs
choice. If you're feeling sluggish, the stairs might be just what
you need. Some malls are installing signs to encourage folks to
take the stairs, and these little visual cues do seem to help.
* Mall moves. You may feel embarrassed to bust out a full-on yoga
pose or do squats at the food court, but you can mix in some
fitness moves on the sly. Who will really notice if you do some
toe lifts to tone your calves? No one will see you tightening and
releasing your abs under that sweater. Twenty reps of
tighten-release will help pass the time in a long line-up.
Amy Toffelmire
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