Between all the festive treats and jam-packed parties, it can be hard stay fit during the holidays. Your schedule is fuller than any other time of year, leaving you little room for the gym.
And, according to one study, on average people gain just under one pound during the holidays. It may not seem like a lot, but researchers say it may be “an important contributor to the rising prevalence of obesity.” So let’s nip it in the bud before the madness begins!
Arm yourself with a foolproof plan for sticking to your healthy routine this holiday season. All it takes is a little planning, preparation and some heavy-duty dedication. Here’s a few tips to get you on your way.
Embrace the Outdoors
Fresh air is fantastic for your mental and physical health, especially when you’re resisting the changing of the seasons. Dress appropriately and take your sprints or walks outside to soak up all the benefits of being around plant life, like decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lower blood pressure. It’s also a great time to change up your routine and swap your gym shoes for snowshoes or skis!
Create a Personal Challenge
Set a fitness goal for the season and commit to it! This will help you heaps in the motivation department. Decide what you’re fitness targets are and then craft a step by step plan for getting there—starting with scheduling regular workouts. Need an extra push? Check out Runner’s World Magazine’s challenge, which asks readers to pound the pavement to run every single day (for at least 1.5 km) between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Sign up and get training!
Don’t Go Hungry
One of the most lethal mistakes you can make during the excessive-eating mayhem that is the holidays is to NOT eat enough, believe it or not. Keep your bags packed with healthy snacks to keep your metabolism revving and your tummy happy before, during and after all those festive parties. Not sure what to eat and when? Head to Joyous Health for a ton of nutritious and easy recipes.
Recruit a Personal Trainer
You wouldn’t just not show up to a dinner date with a friend, would you? So you probably wouldn’t ditch a date with your trainer either, right? Right. A personal trainer can keep you on track and in integrity with showing up at the gym- snow or no snow. Check out our personal training services to get started today.
