Staying Fit During The Holidays

It can be difficult enough to workout the rest of the year, but adding the holidays to the mix and many of us find exercise becomes less of a priority as to-do lists grow longer and longer. The last thing you want is more stress and, for many of us, trying to keep to our regular workout does just that.

At the same time, staying active in some way will give you energy. It can also reduce stress and tension and, of course, help mitigate some of the extra calories you may be eating.¹

You can find that balance if you plan ahead and prepare yourself for any eventuality. Try some of these workouts to help you stay active this holiday season.

3 Ways to Maintain Holiday Fitness

Use these strategies to stay active and fit while you enjoy the holidays. Even if you don’t exercise as much as you do during the rest of the year, getting some activity will provide benefits.

Plan Ahead

If you’re traveling, planning ahead can make all the difference. Take some time to figure out what your options are so you’re ready for anything.

• If you’re staying with family, find any nearby gyms and ask if they let guests use their facility, or sell day passes.
• If that’s not an option, ask family or friends if they have any fitness equipment you can use.
• If you’re staying in a hotel, find out if it has an exercise room.
• Plan easy and fun workouts that don’t require much space or equipment. You may be able to sneak in a workout in a basement or hotel room without bothering anyone.
• Search for walking, running or park trails nearby.
• Talk to your family in advance and suggest taking a walk or doing something active together.

Have A Goal In Mind

The holidays tend to be a time where we spend time with family and friends and since the pandemic, our lives have been altered by that. Always make sure you have a goal in mind that you can stick to and avoid the holiday pounds that may come with it.

Maybe that’s eating less this year and only eating off a small plate instead of a larger plate. The holidays can be fun and memorable but it shouldn’t be a free pass to let ourselves go. Even gaining a few pounds over a few days is hard on the body, so it’s better to eat sensibly than to lose control.

Here are a few tips to have a goal in mind to keep yourself in control during the holidays:

• Have a plan to only eat small portions
• Limit yourself to 1-2 desserts so you can enjoy your indulgences and not feel guilty afterwards
• Don’t eat until you’re absolutely stuffed, but rather, eat until you’re 80% full

Make Exercise A Daily Habit

Being active is not only the key to longevity but it’s the key to great health. Plan to take care of yourself everyday by moving your body daily. Whether you go for long runs on the trail or walk in the neighborhood, move your body on a daily basis.

It’s so good to have a daily habit because you won’t derail from it. If you normally start your day with exercise, don’t skip out on it during the holidays either. This isn’t a free pass to eat all you can eat either, but a reward that your body needs to keep you healthy and feeling good.

Here are a few tips to keep your body moving during the holiday season:

• Go for brisk walks outside
• Can’t get outside? Walk around the house, do a few squats in place or lunges – every bit counts
• Have a buddy system and someone to hold you accountable for making exercise a daily habit

I remember there was a time when I used to struggle with daily activities. I didn’t enjoy exercise and I found it trecherous. But as time went on, I made small daily changes that eventually lead me to changing my life and dropping over 20 lbs. I now move daily and I love the body that I am in. I know how long the work took to create the body that I cherish and one day of indulgence is not going to undo my hard work. Make sure you enjoy your holidays mindfully and eat sensibly. Not only will you be happy that you avoided gaining any holiday weight but your body will thank you, too.