I share my thoughts on how to stay fit during the holidays. This blog post was titled for search purposes aka The Man, so read on for my full thoughts 😉
Hello friends! How are you? I hope you’re having a lovely week! I have a couple of meetings this morning and I’m looking forward to putting up our Christmas tree tonight!
For today’s post, I wanted to talk about how to stay fit and “stay in shape” during the holidays.
The Christmas season is a magical time full of joy, gatherings and celebrations. With everything going on, it can be easy to put healthy habits on the back burner. Today I wanted to share some realistic tips to help you stick to your fitness routine and stay motivated during this busy holiday season.
How to stay fit during the holidays
Instead of thinking about “staying fit”, think about staying healthy, fit, energized and focused.. Focus on the habits that make you feel GOOD so you can get through the busy season feeling happy, vibrant, and at peace. A deeper goal than ones based on vanity will help motivate you when things feel difficult.
These are some of the things I like to emphasize during the holidays or busier seasons of life.
1. Plan ahead
Look at your vacation calendar and reserve time for physical activity. Every workout, even the short ones, is worth it. It can be a great stress reliever and an opportunity to move your body, which feels good when you’re bombarded with extra to-dos!
Every Saturday I sit down and plan my workouts for the next week. If it’s scheduled, you’re more likely to make it happen. On days that are full, I make sure I can at least do a few steps in my walking platform or take Maisey for a walk.
2. Take a moment for yourself
Make self-care a priority, even though it can be difficult. A quick 20-minute workout or a walk or run session can be your moment of peace in the midst of chaos.
Incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation to reduce stress. I love Peloton’s short yoga and meditation classes, and the Calm app is also a great resource for meditation. During this season, I tend to get overstimulated easily (there are a lot of people) and taking at least 10 minutes to breathe or meditate makes a big difference.
3. Be realistic
While it may be tempting to try to make drastic changes before the New Year, I think it’s best to spend December focusing on maintaining instead of adding a bunch of new wellness goals. Instead of trying to break personal records, focus on consistency.
I also believe consistency is more valuable than intensity, so feel free to modify your routine based on your schedule and energy.
4. Prioritize sleep
Sleep is very important for mood, metabolism, performance, memory, immune system function, hair, skin and many things. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep to aid recovery and stay motivated during the day. If you have to choose between sleep or exercise, I almost always recommend choosing sleep.
5. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re indulging in holiday treats. You may want to add electrolytes if that is something that works for you. Proper hydration can help keep you energized and help with digestion during this indulgent time of year. It is also useful to consider caffeine and alcohol consumption.
6. Exercise regularly
Consistency is key to any solid exercise routine. Remember, it’s not about intensity; It’s about moving forward for the long term. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week and alternate intensities throughout the week. If you’re short on time, I like to focus on strength training, smart intervals, and general steps/movement. I also like to remind myself that something is better than nothing; If I only have time for a 15-minute workout, I make the most of that time.
7. Enjoy the holidays in moderation
It’s important to enjoy the season and all the fun treats and drinks. I like to choose the ones that are “worth it” for me and still focus on protein and fiber in all my meals and snacks. If I know a party or activity will be low in protein, I’ll eat a jerky stick, some meat, or scrambled eggs before I go out. This can also help with the blood sugar response because I will be buffering the treats with some protein.
Check out these festive outfits that are perfect for the holidays but comfortable enough for a quick walk after dinner.
So often I see posts about the detriment of Christmas sugar and alcohol, but the reality is that it doesn’t really matter. What you do the rest of the year will have the biggest impact on your goals and how you feel.
How to exercise on vacation
1. Bodyweight circuits
Simple and effective, bodyweight circuits raise your heart rate and burn calories without the need for equipment. These are great travel workouts – I like to do just a few squats, lunges, planks, quad work, and core.
Try these vacation circuits to stay in shape with the minimum commitment of space and time.
2. Walk or run
Walking or running is an easy way to stay physically active while spending time with family and friends.
Consider running in the morning before the holidays to keep energy levels high throughout the day. A morning walk is also a quiet little escape when you have a lot to do!
3. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT workouts are perfect for vacations as they are short and effective and help you burn calories quickly.
Do a quick HIIT session before heading to a holiday gathering. This is one of my favorite at-home HIIT workouts.
4. Home workouts
At-home workouts are convenient and require minimal setup, perfect for the busy holiday season.
Keep your workout clothes ready and do a quick 20-minute session whenever you have time. I LOVE Sculpt Society workouts for quick at-home workouts. This link will give it to you. one month free!
So tell me, friends: what do your fitness and wellness goals look like as the year ends?
xo
gina
*For more:
Check out this Christmas Strength Circuit Workout
and this healthy post for the holidays
