Schedule irregularity, emotions/stress at a high level, guilt about nutritional choices, priority shifts...the holidays can derail your fitness. The truth is that for most of us, the period from the end of November to January looks different than your life right now.
And before you even continue reading, I'd like you to ask yourself...how important is your fitness during the 5-6 weeks of the holiday season? Seriously, would you say:
VERY IMPORTANT
MODERATELY IMPORTANT
NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL
Once you have your answer, skip to the appropriate section for my suggestions. This is a no judgment zone, do what works for you.
VERY IMPORTANT
This is usually the choice if you've been making progress, you feel better when you exercise, you don't want to disrupt your routine or feel like you have to "get back on track". And in that case, it absolutely makes sense to create a plan so that you can enjoy the holidays while keeping up with exercise. Here are my suggestions:
Make physical activity part of your tradition. Plan a pre-dinner walk or jog, go ice skating, do a 12 days of fitness challenge or turkey trot (virtual 5K).
Be an early riser! Even if you don't normally workout in the mornings, commit to AM workouts. There will be less chance of something getting in the way and it will give you time to enjoy the evenings with your family.
Pick a focus. If you're seeing a lot of progress in one area of fitness, let that be your priority and give yourself some grace in the other areas. Example: make strength training a priority and maybe bike a little less or vice versa.
Commit: schedule and pay ahead of time for any classes, training or activities you'd like to stick with. Example: Purchase ice skating tickets, schedule with your personal trainer, put workouts in your calendar.
MODERATELY IMPORTANT
This is usually the choice if you've been pretty consistent with fitness and based on past experience know that a little less consistency during the holidays won't break you. You're the type of person that can get back on track pretty quickly. You probably like to balance fitness and indulging a bit. Here are my suggestions:
Plan to be flexible. Rather than planning workouts for specific days of the week, plan ahead for the type of workouts you like to complete. Example: 2 strength workouts within the week. That way you can fit them in when you have time and not feel guilty if you miss a "Monday workout".
Choose less intense workouts. If you tend to feel a little more laid back about fitness during the holiday you're probably less likely to want to go all out. Aim for shorter duration and less sweaty.
Be OK with maintenance. Give yourself some grace that you might not see any gains and that's OK. Your goal is to maintain and not self-sabotage.
NOT IMPORTANT
This is usually the choice if A) you're not consistent now so why start during the holidays B) trying to fit in exercise feels stressful C) You've been working so hard, you're OK with giving yourself a break...you're also confident that you can get back on track quickly. Here are my suggestions:
Choose a new activity or workout. Make it as a treat or form of self care. Get completely out of your normal routine and make it something you'll look forward to. Set something up just once per week.
Keep moving. Although formal workouts might not be your thing during the holidays, aim to get in lots of walking, dancing or activities like hiking, skiing or sledding with your family.
Don't completely rule it out. There may be days that you do feel like a good workout. Don't decide on weeks of inactivity because that's just not healthy. Have a go-to workout on hand for days you have the time.
Have a plan to begin again in January. Book classes, activities or training sessions now so that you're all set when the holidays end! It’s not getting off track if it’s in the plan.
If you're looking for a workout that:
You can keep on-hand to do when you feel like it
Is flexible and can be done anytime
Helps you commit to fitness during the holidays
Sign up for a one month Core, Function & Fitness training plan, which include 3 strength workouts and 2 core workouts. Free trial and cancel anytime! Prenatal plan available!