It’s almost time again for the annual Walk with Santa Challenge. Once again, this December you’ll have the chance to be Santa’s Walking Buddy. We’re introducing a new segment to our December challenge that will also include a virtual walk from Anchorage, Alaska to the North Pole.

At WalkingSpree we have a diverse group that include many faiths and beliefs, so we fully recognize that not everyone celebrates Christmas or the spirit of Santa Claus. If you do not want to participate in the Walk with Santa Challenge. You can easily remove him from your buddy list by going to Walking Buddies and click remove. We will still verify if you’ve walked more than 7,000 steps on days between December 1st and December 31st.

Rules:

You will notice on your profile page starting December 1st that you now have a new walking buddy. . . Santa Claus. Jolly Ole Saint Nick himself.

Santa averages 7,000 steps every day during December (he doesn’t hit 10,000 because he’s on his sleigh a lot this time of year).

For every day you walk more than Santa from December 1st until Dec. 31st, your name is entered into the draw for a prize (to be determined).

BUT that’s only if your corporation as a whole walks from Anchorage, Alaska to the North Pole. So you all need to work together to make this happen.

Holiday Walking Tips

The holidays can be a challenging time for people to find time to exercise with visiting friends and family. So here are some suggestions to help you get those holiday steps in:

1. Holiday Shopping - You’re at the mall already, so instead of feeling frustrated that you’ve got to run around the mall so much, check your pedometer regularly and refuel that frustration into success that you’re getting healthier and boosting your steps.

2. Park far away from the malls

3. Family walks - While visiting family and friends. Instead of everyone sitting on the couch stuffed to the gills from food, suggest everyone go for a walk instead to look at the Christmas lights.

4. Shoveling snow - Not anyone’s favorite job. Remember as you push the scoop down the driveway that you’re adding more steps to your pedometer.

5. Decorating - While decorating the tree or house, take one item per trip to add more steps.

6. Walk & Talk - The holidays are a time when we’re often on the phone with family and friends. Take advantage of this time to use a portable phone and walk around your house while talking.

7. Holiday parties - Often a time for dancing. Get out on the dance floor and step up a storm.

Congratulations to all the steps everyone has worked hard to achieve this past month. Remember, if you have any success stories you want to share with us. We’re also implementing a new photo of the month. Show us where your pedometer has been by sending us a photo of you wearing your pedometer and at the end of the year, your name will entered into a draw for a prize (to be determined). Please send them to blog@walkingspree.com.

Top 100 Walkers in WalkingSpree for October 2009.

10 Million Step Club

As you know from our previous Move Smart! message to members, November is American Diabetes Month®. This year’s message is a direct message to Stop Diabetes! From the American Diabetes website:

• 24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes
• 57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes
• 1 out of every 3 children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue.

If you missed it in the Move Smart! message, we’re providing it here again: WalkingSpree has provided 30 Days to Stop Diabetes. For Diabetes Awareness Month, you can download WalkingSpree’s Diabetes Awareness calendar with walking tips for posting in your workplace or on your fridge as a reminder of the importance of every step you take. We’ve also provided you with a one week 1500 calorie Diabetic friendly meal plan that you can use in the Food Tracker.

The first in a series of quick and easy video tutorials on using the Food Tracker. These videos are available in a larger format at Youtube, so clicking on the video will take you directly to Youtube.

Setting up your Food Tracker

Adding a food item to the Food Tracker

Creating a custom meal in the Food Tracker

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success” - Henry Ford

I don’t know about you, but in San Diego the news is full of the H1N1 flu that’s going around. Now when it comes to getting the flu shot I believe that it’s a personal decision that every person is going to have to make. Working in a gym and being around members as well clients who often come in not feeling at their personal best I recommend the following suggestions:

* If you’re not feeling at least 95% great, please don’t come in and workout. As a Personal Trainer I’ve sent so many clients home through the years. It’s just not worth coming in for you, your trainer nor the other members. If you feel you must get your workout in (especially your cardio) go outside, WALK, and get some fresh air instead…others will thank you!

* Make sure you get plenty of fluids (not sugary drinks) in. Staying hydrated is more important than ever to stay well.

* Get plenty of rest. This is pretty self explanatory.

* Keep your hands out/off of your face. This is especially important if you’re in the gym. If you’re on the treadmill, elliptical, bikes or any other type of cardio and you’re holding on, please do your best to keep your hands off your face. Use a towel, wipe down the equipment after use and wash your hands before you leave the gym.

* If you have any symptoms that are “below the neck” for example vomiting, diarrhea, chills, a hacking couch, muscle ache or fatigue, you should allow yourself 1 -2 weeks off before starting back into your normal routine.

* If you’re symptoms are “above the neck” for example a sore throat, sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose usually it’s ok to exercise as long as none of these symptoms are accompanied by a fever.

* Please keep in mind that if you do have a runny nose, are coughing or feeling stuffy, use common sense. Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest and keep your hands clean and away from your face, especially yours eyes.

* If you’re around little ones, try not to kiss them as their immune systems are not as strong as yours.

* After blowing your nose or coughing, please wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. I know, I know…but I’ve seen it all!

Preliminary research is showing that those who are obese may potentially have further complications with the H1N1 virus. Obesity causes increased risk of having underlying illnesses, diabetes, heart problems, and respiratory problems and this can complicate H1N1.

The bottom line is this: Utilize common sense when you’re not feeling well or if you’re contagious. You’ll recover faster and will help to prevent the spread of any illness to your friends, family, co-workers, gym members as well as your favorite Trainers.

Until next week, walk strong and stay well!

Fitfully yours,
Lisa Taylor