If you’re like most people, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits during the holidays. Not only are there delicious treats everywhere, but it’s also difficult to maintain a consistent workout schedule when the calendar is full of holidays and special events.
But there are ways to enjoy the season while maintaining your fitness goals. Instead of waiting for the new year to start working on your fitness goals, now can be a good time to implement the habits that keep you looking and feeling your best.
Plan ahead for meals and workouts
When your schedule is packed, it becomes harder to make time for meal prep or workouts. So don’t assume that if you have an extra hour you will fit in. Instead, make it a priority to schedule time in your calendar for the most important activities that will contribute to your fitness goals.
Because holiday parties and events often take place in the evening, a good strategy is to make time for your workouts in the morning or afternoon. Even if you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual, it’s worth exercising before you start the day. Hit the gym or do a quick at-home workout with online videos if you’re short on time. Also mark your calendar with the time you plan to prepare meals.
Every little bit counts
Don’t take an all-or-nothing perspective with your fitness goals during the holidays. You can skip your workout if all you’re thinking about is a 90-minute session at the gym. The most important thing is to keep up the routine, which may mean limiting your workout settings to shorter appointments.
For example, a 20-minute weight-lifting session at home is better than nothing at all. If you don’t think you have time for a full workout, find ways to squeeze in a mini workout during your lunch break. Give yourself some flexibility during the holidays and prioritize maintaining the habit.
Turn off the activities
Think outside the box when you plan your workouts this month. There are ways to move your body that may be different than your normal exercise routines. Even when it’s cold outside, find ways to enjoy your time outside so you can get some exercise and get some vitamin D at the same time.
When the kids are out of school, making time for a workout at the gym can seem challenging. But you can still stay active with fun family activities like a weekend of skiing, ice skating, swimming laps at the mall while holiday shopping, or taking everyone to an indoor pool. This approach allows you to make the most of the vacation, create memories together, and feel good about your fitness goals at the same time.
Train for an upcoming event
One way to maintain motivation during the holidays is to have something to focus on. For example, do you want to run a marathon or a shorter holiday race for the new year? Now might be a good time to start working on your fitness goals with a planned marathon training schedule.
By finding a reason “why” you exercise, you can say you’re focused on your goal and avoiding the distractions. Map out your plan and remember why you want to accomplish this major activity in the coming weeks or months.
Track your progress
It’s easy to get off track when you’re nibbling on holiday treats all day. Hold yourself accountable by recording your eating and fitness activities. Keep it simple, but stay consistent in writing down everything you eat and the activities you participate in.
Tracking your progress is a good way to see what you’re doing throughout the day and ensure your actions align with your fitness goals. You can look at the file and find opportunities for improvement. Plus, tracking in December is a great way to identify areas of improvement to focus on when choosing your fitness goals for the new year.
Plan a reward
Is there something you would like to do or buy? December can be a great time to treat yourself to something special. Set diet or fitness goals with a specific reward in mind if you meet your personal expectations. It could be something as simple as putting $1 in a jar every time you complete a workout and then using that money to treat yourself to a nice dinner. Or buy new leggings and put them under the Christmas tree.
Find an accountability partner
A workout buddy can often make the difference between you getting out of bed and going to the gym or hitting the snooze button. Knowing that someone is meeting you for training increases the likelihood that you will follow through with your plans. Talk to your friends and family to find someone else who is also working on their fitness goals, and ask if they would be willing to be your accountability partner or buddy.
If you need a little more motivation, you might want to risk money. For example, every time someone skips a workout, they must donate $2 to charity.
Another way to find a workout buddy is to take fitness classes at a local gym. If you are a “regular” at one of the fitness classes, your friends in class often expect you to show up every day.
Nice fitness during the holidays
If you need help staying on track with your fitness goals, join a local gym to connect with like-minded people. Fitness Nation offers everything you need to stay healthy and fit during the holidays and all year round. Please contact us for more information about the facilities and services available.