The holidays are here! It’s the season for friends, family, and of course, great food. But how do you stay fit during this festive time without being glued to the gym? Here are some easy tips to help you stay in shape this holiday season.
First off, planning is key. Jot down all your holiday activities and find time to fit in a workout. It could be a quick 20-minute HIIT session in between gift shopping and decorating, or a gym visit right after work and before a late-night Christmas buffet. Stick to your plan as best as you can, but also allow for recovery days. Muscles need rest too, so if your schedule gets too tight, don’t sweat it.
Most people prefer to work out in the afternoon or after work, but during the holidays, this can backfire. Gyms might close earlier, or you might have social plans. So, you may need to adjust your workout time. Waking up early may not be appealing, especially in winter, but it’s worth the effort. Finishing your workouts early gives you the rest of the day for other activities.
If driving to the gym is a hassle due to snowy conditions and heavy traffic, switch to bodyweight exercises at home. Push-ups, squats, and burpees are great options, and their variations can be just as challenging as lifting weights.
Along with these exercises, focus on training with more volume. This can be helpful if you’re used to heavy lifting with fewer reps. Volume training builds endurance and stamina, which is beneficial for activities that require a lot of energy and lung power, like CrossFit or Tough Mudder competitions.
Holiday treats are hard to resist, and that’s okay. The key is to enjoy them in moderation. Rather than relying on diet pills, it’s smarter and cheaper to follow some simple rules. This way, you can indulge a little without overdoing it.
The holiday season is all about happiness and gratitude. Take care of your body now, and it will thank you later. Stay fit and enjoy the holidays!