Dec’24 news

This time of year can be frantically busy for many of us but this month’s newsletter is all about helping you keep things merry and bright – with tips on healthy festive feasting and how to keep your body spritely for summer, in addition to some handy reminders about our Holiday Class timetable and how to lock in your classes for Term One 2025. Enjoy!

Healthy Holiday Feasting

The festive season is here, bringing carols, Christmas prawns, and plenty of indulgence. But don’t forget—your body needs to stay healthy for many more summers to come!

Instead of overloading on sugary treats, why not enjoy some of the season’s Aussie classics that are good for you? Roasted almonds are high in fibre and healthy fats, while cranberries add a burst of antioxidants to your plate. Fresh summer salads, juicy mangoes, and light seafood like prawns and oysters are perfect for a healthy, festive feast.

Even your Christmas turkey is a great source of lean protein! So, while it’s easy to dive into the pavlova, remember to balance your holiday favourites this silly season with choices that are kind to your health.

Keep it balanced, and you’ll feel merry and bright all summer long!

Term One 2025 Classes: Important Reminder

With only a week to go of Term Four 2024, it’s time to start thinking about your plans for classes in 2025.

If you ARE planning on returning to the same classes in 2025, then there is nothing for you to do but kick back and “relax” (if that’s even possible at this time of year).

If you are NOT planning to return to classes in 2025 or if you want to CHANGE classes, then you’ll need to contact us at reception before Term 1 2025 starts, on February 3rd so we can be sure to cancel the booking you will no longer require.

And last but not least, for the super-organised folks out there, we just ask that you please hold-off booking any makeup classes until Term 1 has commenced in the new year. Thanks for your understanding and of course, if you need to contact us, our friendly reception team are here to help.

Summer Holiday Classes

St Leonards Physiotherapy Holiday Hours

Keep Your Spine Moving

The Education Quarter

Keep You Body Merry

Festive Exercises for the Holidays

The festive season is full of joy and indulgence, and there’s nothing wrong with that! But to keep your body merry we suggest you sprinkle some fun into your routine with these three festive exercises. These exercises are simple, require no fancy equipment, and can be done anywhere to help you maintain your strength and flexibility throughout the holiday season.

1. Downward Reindeer

• Start on your hands and knees: Position your wrists directly beneath your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
• Lift your hips: Press into your palms and lift your hips towards the ceiling, forming an inverted V shape. Keep your heels reaching toward the ground while letting your head hang between your arms.
• Hold the position: Maintain this stretch for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply. To deepen the stretch, alternate bending each knee, bringing one heel toward the floor and then the other.

This exercise helps alleviate tension in your back and legs, making it perfect after long periods of sitting or standing at holiday gatherings!

2. Santa’s Sit to Stand

• Start in a seated position: Sit at the edge of a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor and hip-width apart.
• Stand up without using your hands: Engage your core and push through your feet to stand up. If needed, use your hands to push off the chair, gradually working towards standing without assistance.
• Return to seated: Lower yourself back into the chair with control.

Aim for 10 to 15 repetitions of this exercise. It strengthens your legs and improves your balance, making it easier to navigate the festive chaos!

3. Snowy Stair Climbs

Stair climbing is an easy yet effective cardiovascular exercise that can seamlessly fit into your festive routine. You know how to climb stairs – but think about mixing it up to increase the challenge. Try skipping a step or alternating your foot placement on the stairs.

Conclusion

Incorporating these into your daily routine can help keep your body merry and your spirits high during the holiday season. But don’t stop there – keep moving in whatever ways bring you joy!

If you’d like personalised advice on how to stay active during Christmas or need assistance with any physical concerns, contact us at St Leonards Physio by calling (02) 9438 1782.

PS: Don’t forget to follow us on social media. We’re on Facebook and Instagram.

Information provided in this email (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.