Exercising doesn’t only benefit the mind — it can prevent all kinds of health issues. Typically, the closer we get to the holiday season, the more people fall out of their exercise routine. And many will start again after the holidays.

This past weekend surely didn’t feel like October or that the holiday season is near. Well, this Dutch girl likes the warm temperatures. It helps you stay active because the humidity is down and it is just too pretty not to do anything.

As time will go by, so does the weather. It will get colder and the days are already getting shorter. Clothes are getting thicker and warmer and we no longer have to worry about showing saggy legs, flabby arms and Jell-o abs — it is all covered up. And yes, this does not pertain to everyone. In other words, it is a lot easier to get out of an exercise routine since we are not being faced with these imperfections. There are miracle clothes that make your glutes lift, your belly tuck and make your bra strap “fold” disappear. Yes, guys I have to be honest — I have not seen any jeans that will lift your cheeks, however, many aids are available to make you appear to be in shape. My first and foremost priority is health; I have seen very unhealthy people who are in shape. I have also seen very healthy people who don’t fit the in shape profile.

My goal is to get people healthy/healthier and to stay active throughout the holiday season. I promise, you will be so happy you did. Here are some reasons why you should stay active through the holiday season and throughout the year:

• You will control your weight better.

• You can handle holiday stress better

• Exercise not only helps fight depression but also anxiety. I know — I would have to be on medication if I didn’t exercise (a bit of obsessive compulsive behavior, perfectionism, Type A personality, etc)

• Wards off disease. Research has shown that people who exercise are sick less than people who do not.

• Prevent heart disease. Exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes at a time. It doesn’t have to be crazy workouts. Research at Duke suggests the amount of physical activity rather than the intensity (which turns many people off because it hurts too much) has the biggest impact on lowering cholesterol.

• Being active reduces your risk of having and/or dying of a stroke. Moderate to active participants had a 20 percent less risk in stroke.

• Prevent or control type II diabetes. This disease has increased 62 percent since 1990. This is a very alarming number. Exercise can help with weight loss and assist in controlling or preventing type II diabetes. A study at Harvard showed that a brisk walk one hour a day can reduce your risk by 34 percent.

• Eliminate or control back pain. I can vouch for that — exercise (and Dr. Roy) has helped my spine tremendously. Muscle tone will keep the core strong and take weight off, and reducing the belly helps take the “pull” off the lower back. Exercise helps your posture in general.

• Avoid and /or reverse osteoporosis/osteopenia. Any weight-bearing exercises will help strengthen the bones. In my experience, a cardio program supplemented with a weight lifting program is the key to success.

So now we know why we should exercise, here are some tips to stay active throughout the holiday season.

• Plan your workouts. If you know parties, meetings, etc., are coming up, work your workout schedule around it. The more and better you plan, the greater your success.

• Find a workout buddy. Just make sure they are as serious in continuing to exercise as you are.

• Find classes you can attend. At the JF Hurley YMCA, we have over 100 land group exercise classes and over 35 water group exercise classes. In a few weeks, we are starting Aqua Zumba in the evening with Gail Poulton. When you start going to a class, you build relationships — not only with the participants, but also the teachers. Another great motivator to keep coming back.

• Record your activities. There are tons of apps that can help you with that and are easy to use, and there is nothing wrong with a pen and notebook to keep your activity level in check.

Our first Holiday Fest is coming up on Oct. 31 at the YMCA. We will host our Annual Awesome free Halloween Carnival which will start at 5:30 p.m. and will be done at 7:30 p.m. Open to anyone in the community and great fun for the young and young at heart/.

Ester H Marsh ACSM Cpt