The holidays are here! It’s time for friends, family, and food. But how can you stay in shape during all the festivities? Let’s face it, hitting the gym constantly isn’t fun, especially during the holidays. Luckily, an expert is here to share some easy tips to help you stay fit this season!
The holiday season brings joy, gratitude, and lots of eating! However, for those who love fitness, it can be a tricky time because it often disrupts their usual workout routines.
Whether it’s bad weather shutting down gyms, or running conditions being less than ideal, staying on track can be difficult. Add in the numerous parties and late-night indulgences, and your fitness goals might feel out of reach.
But don’t worry! Here are 5 simple ways to stay fit and strong during the holidays:
1. **Make a Plan:** Start with a plan. Write down all your holiday activities and find time for your fitness routine. It could be a 20-minute HIIT workout between shopping for gifts and decorating the house, or a quick gym session right after work and before a late dinner. Stick to your schedule as best as you can. If a day gets too busy, use it as a recovery day—your muscles need rest too!
2. **Adjust Your Workout Time:** Many people prefer working out in the afternoon or evening, but during the holidays, you might need to switch things up. Gyms could close early, or friends might want to hang out. Sometimes, this means getting up earlier than usual. Embrace the extra willpower needed to finish your workouts early in the day, freeing up time for other activities.
3. **Work Out at Home:** Snowy weather and heavy traffic can make gym trips challenging. Instead, learn bodyweight exercises you can do at home, like push-ups, squats, and burpees. These exercises often have variations that can be as challenging as lifting weights.
4. **Increase Workout Volume:** If you’re used to lifting heavy with fewer reps, try adding volume to your workouts. This means doing more reps with lighter weights, which helps build endurance and stamina. It’s great training for activities that require lots of energy.
5. **Practice Moderation with Food:** The holiday treats are hard to resist, and it’s easy to overindulge. While enjoying festive foods is part of the season, exercise some restraint. Rather than relying on diet pills, follow a sensible approach to eating.
Holidays are a time for happiness and giving thanks. Doing a little extra to maintain your fitness means your body will thank you once the season is over. Stay fit during the holidays, and happy holidays to everyone!
