The holidays are here! It’s time to enjoy friends, family, and food. But is it possible to maintain your fitness during this season? Who really wants to hit the gym every day over the holidays? Probably not many of us! Here are some simple tips to help you stay fit without feeling like you need to live at the gym.
First off, plan ahead. Get a notebook and jot down all your holiday activities, then find small windows of time where you can fit in some exercise. Even a quick 20-minute HIIT workout between shopping and decorating can make a difference. If you can, try to stick to this schedule as much as possible. And if a day is just too packed, use it as a recovery day—rest is important too!
Most of us prefer working out in the afternoons, but that might not work well during the holidays when gyms may close early or friends want to hang out. Consider shifting your workouts to the morning. Yes, it’s tough to leave your warm bed on a cold day, but getting your exercise done early frees up the rest of your day for other fun activities.
If snowy weather slows down your drive to the gym, don’t stress. You can still get a solid workout at home with bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and burpees. These exercises have plenty of variations that can challenge you just as much as, if not more than, lifting heavy weights.
Boost your workout with volume training, especially if you’re used to heavy lifting with low reps. Doing more reps with less weight can build endurance and stamina, which is great for high-energy activities or even competitive events like CrossFit or Tough Mudder. You’ll also find this helpful for long-distance runs or squeezing out that extra rep.
And let’s not forget about food. The holidays tempt us with all sorts of treats like cupcakes, peppermint candies, cookies, chocolate, and ham. While it’s okay to indulge, try to practice some moderation. You don’t need diet pills if you keep some simple rules in mind. Enjoy the season, but remember to look out for your wellbeing.
Happy holidays, and stay fit!
