The holidays can be incredibly tempting days for anyone, including fitness enthusiasts or those looking to get started on a fitness journey. Time with family and friends, great food, maybe the inclination to imbibe a bit, the holiday season comes with a lot of merrymaking that can make fitness enthusiasts throw caution to the wind and get wrapped up in the moment.
We've got to admit that staying committed to your fitness routines this season isn't that easy, but it's not impossible. It is also important to remember that even if you have a little too much to eat over the seasons or miss the gym or a workout a few days, that isn’t the end of the world and it can all be made up. After the past year and a half, everyone deserves a break and some time to indulge. Keep in mind, any workout is a good workout, no matter when it happens or for how long.
Here are a few tips to making staying in shape and keeping up with a routine during the holidays a little easier:
Identify Your Distractions
It's the holiday season, and there'll be lots of distractions from people, food, events, and other activities. That's why you need to identify those things that'll pose as roadblocks and find ways to manage them. Identifying these distractions also helps you plan your workouts better, because you know when, where, and why they happen. Having a schedule or plan will make it easier to get your workouts in and help prioritize.
Have a Realistic Fitness Plan for the Holidays
Staying in shape during and after the holidays takes work, and having a dedicated plan can be a major help. The plan may not be as complex as your normal fitness plan, but it should be realistic. If you spend the holidays in a traditional family setting, it might be a challenge to work out up to an hour due to many family activities. However, create a small fitness plan for around 10 - 20 minutes. That way, you can still exercise, eat healthy and spend time with family and friends.
It can also have a positive mental impact to set these expectations, knowing that the rest time and enjoying yourself with friends and family can be just as important to your overall well being as putting in the physical effort.
Have a Workout Schedule
Timing matters. Whatever you don't schedule might be difficult to achieve, especially workouts. Find a good time and fix your workouts to get fit. Getting in a quick run can be an easy way to get in some cardio and a workout that won’t put too much strain on your schedule.
Work Out in the Morning
If your schedule allows, morning workouts can be an easy way to fit them in and be prepared for the rest of the day and can help establish the routine to help you stay fit beyond the holidays. At this time of the day, you can focus on your workouts before engaging in other activities.
If you're not a morning person, you can set an alarm to wake you up for your workouts. Any other time during the holiday season may not be feasible due to the activities that come with each day.
Infuse Workouts in Your Holiday Activities
It's a subtle way to workout without making it look like you're working out. Put on your running or training shoes to help you take the stairs instead of elevators, walk a distance instead of driving, or lift heavy shopping bags instead of using the trolleys. By doing this, you'll be helping make up for a missed workout and still getting some benefits.
Get a Fitness Partner
A fitness partner can be the solution if you lack motivation and accountability. The two of you will inspire each other to stick with your fitness goals by working out together. And you become more conscious when there's someone to give you a push on days you don't feel like working out.
Take Some Time Alone
Too many activities and being around people can wear you out. This could culminate into stress, which can make you stress-eat. It's good to find a balance and take some time out for yourself.
Stay in your room and relax. You don't have to be a part of every function, especially when you know you're stressed.
Staying fit during and after the holidays requires you to be consistent with your workouts, eating healthy, hard work, and determination. You can achieve this if you put your mind to it, and follow your fitness routines.