Let’s start with an oldie but goodie: Watch what you eat. This isn’t PGN’s fitness column and I’m not a registered nutritionist, but use some common sense during the holiday stretch that usually continues into January. If you’re not burning as many calories because your sport isn’t active in the winter, you don’t need to take in as many calories, obviously, even if you’re just a weekend warrior.
The trouble is, we are inundated with cookies, sweets, breads, cheeses and alcohol this time of year. Enjoying the holidays responsibly doesn’t mean refusing, it means choosing. All things in moderation and you won’t have to make that same old New Year’s resolution to get in shape.
Besides the calorie intake, don’t stop with the gym trips by using the excuse of being too busy. More food, less exercise is a bad recipe, so if you’re like me and can’t go as frequently, at least go. We all know working out boosts everything from metabolism to mood. Gym memberships or related gear are great gifts too, and some offer member discounts to other venues and others are supportive of LGBT sports programs.
Making smarter holiday decisions makes looking good in that swimsuit on your winter cruise that much easier.
Gay Games gear-up
Beginning in January, I will be outlining the whos, whats, whens, wheres, whys and hows of the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland/Akron. (And there is the first when and where tidbit for you.) Too early? Not at all. Early reduced-rate registration ends Dec. 31, 2012, for starters. To register now and save, go to gg9cle.com.
I will cover all aspects of GG9, from the events to the ceremonies to the mission, culture and 2018 site awarding and more, each month, including interesting bits of info. For instance, did you know that organizers are actively searching for singers and musicians to perform at the games during the opening and closing ceremonies, around the venues and more? (Pay attention, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and Freedom Band!) Send me your questions or topics of interest and I’ll be happy to answer and pass the information on to others at the same time. You can also get some general info at gaygames.org or GG9-specific info at gg9cle.com.
Hail to the chief
Congratulations to Justin Dolci, the new commissioner of the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League. Justin is moving from his position as assistant commissioner into the top spot, as former commissioner Wayne Knobb moves into a position on the board of the National Gay Flag Football League.
GPFFL also slipped me another piece of information regarding its annual Super Bowl party and fundraiser for ActionAIDS. The party moves from West Philly to Old City this year. It’ll be held Feb. 3 at The Painted Bride Art Center. Mark your calendars now.
Short stops
• Philadelphia Gay Bowling League has its bi-monthly skate party 8:30-10:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Cherry Hill Skate Center, 664 Deer Road. Festive dress is not required, but why not?
• Rainbow Rollers’ holiday party is Dec. 18 at Laurel Lanes in Maple Shade. Come say hi, check out information on the league and maybe throw a few frames.
• Sports and recreation contact people and website information is included in the PGN Community Bulletin Board every fourth Friday of the month on the inside back cover and can also be accessed at epgn.com.
Correction: The GPFFL championship game touchdown photo had the incorrect name. The player’s name was Wes Coulter. My apologies.
Countdown to Gay Games IX: 602 days. If you have any sports-related events happening over the holidays or in January, Gay Games questions or a donation to my Christmas club account, email [email protected].