How to Stay Active During the Hectic Holiday Season
For the first time in 2 years….the holidays actually feel like “the holidays!” – potlucks and parties are in full swing. And travel “back home” is a full-on GO!
But amidst the shopping, and the baking, and the mugs of spiced eggnog....December can feel hella hectic (obvs). And for many of us, that means FITNESS takes a back seat.
Should you bend over backwards to keep up your regular workout routine?
No. You shouldn’t.
Should you stop exercising altogether, until Jan 1st hits?
Also, no.
The holiday season is EXACTLY THAT – a season. And this is your chance to ENJOY spending time with the people you love. I always tell my clients to BE PRESENT, and don’t agonize over missing a workout.
But at the same time, I don’t give them a “free pass” to throw their workouts out the window. Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress…and we all know that December can be one of THE most stressful months of the year!
So how do you stay motivated to keep up a workout routine, without ditching it completely?
Here is my best advice: (hopefully you’ll find a strategy that works for you!)
Plan your workouts in advance
Plain and simple – you’re less likely to skip a workout if you’ve already set aside time in your calendar for it. This is true ANY time of year. But it’s especially important when your schedule is fuller than normal. Be realistic (is a 5 am jog at 40 below zero actually gonna happen?), and plan ahead!
Keep it short and simple
Some of us believe that a workout doesn’t “count” unless you spend an hour at the gym, and you leave feeling sweaty and exhausted – but that’s just NOT the case. Anything “counts” as exercise, as long as you’re moving, and it gets your heart rate up. On busy days, do a 10-20 minute workout, and feel good about the commitment you’re making to your health.
Try doing a bodyweight workout at home
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that home workouts can be JUST as effective as workouts that take place at the gym – EVEN IF you don’t have any equipment. Bodyweight workouts can give you a quick “pump” and leave you feeling significantly more energized. Not sure what exercises to do? Check out this blog post: The Low-Down on “Functional Movement” for 5 key movement pattern ideas!
Be social while you move
Think outside the gym! – and remember that walking, shopping, swimming, and hanging holiday decorations, all involve being active. Go ice-skating with friends, or bundle up for a brisk walk around your fav park (the winter trees can be absolutely beautiful, this time of year).
Hire a coach to keep you on track
One of the best ways to keep yourself accountable, is to hire a coach. When you invest your hard-earned $ in your health, your motivation immediately increases. A coach can also help you see your own blind spots, and make sure you are challenging yourself with progressive overload. If you’ve ever felt “stuck” with your fitness….hiring a coach is the BEST thing to propel you forward, toward your goals.
Different seasons of life come and go – and you don’t have to feel guilty about going with the flow! During the upcoming holiday season, you’re going to be busier than normal. Be realistic! Modify your workout plan! And soak up the time you get to spend with friends and family.
Want some help finding some #balance? I’d love to chat! Book a 15-minute no-sweat intro call here!