How to stick to your training routine during the holiday season

Hey everyone!

We can all admit that the holiday season can be stressful for many reasons.  We spend hours planning, decorating, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and traveling to make sure we make the most out of our time with family and friends.  However, with all of these added tasks limiting our free time it can be tough to stick to our usual training routine.  I mean, how many of us have used the old “my new year’s resolution is to get back into the gym” to rationalize not working out during the holidays?  I know I have!

If any of this sounds familiar to you, no worries because I can help you with that!  While it is certainly ok to make some concessions in your training during busy times, there are some things you can do to make sure you don’t lose any of the progress that you’ve made in the gym this year.  To help you out, I’ve put together a list of tips to help you stay on track and feel more like yourself during the crazy holiday season.

Tip #1: Prioritize your tasks for the day

• Take a look at your day ahead and make your workout a priority.
• If you make it an important task to get done, you will be more likely to get it done.
• You will feel better about yourself and better about the other tasks you have to complete that day if you take some time for yourself.

Tip #2: Plan your workout into your day

• Set a specific time frame during your day for your workout.
• Stick to that time frame and it will be more likely that you will get it done!

Tip #3: Accept that workouts may look a little different

• Time constraints and access to equipment can be limiting factors in performing your usual workout routine.
• Understand this and plan to make some modifications-do your research beforehand so that you can have a plan!
• It is ok if your workout is shorter than usual.

Tip #4: Be creative in your workout solutions

• A little planning can go a long way here! Pack resistance bands, research exercises to do, or plan to perform an online workout that requires minimal to no equipment.
• Remember, doing something is better than doing nothing!

Tip #5: Invite your family and friends to join you

• If you invite your family and friends to join you in your workout, you might feel a bit less guilty about sneaking off to take some time for yourself.
• It can also be more fun to work out with your family and friends!

Tip #6: Don’t pressure yourself to work out every day

• The holiday season is a busy and tiring time for everyone, so it becomes even more important than usual to listen to your body.
• An extra day off may be necessary to combat the effects of holiday stress and lack of sleep.
• If it is hard to convince yourself to take an extra day off, understand you may need to take it easier during your workout or even take a day to just go for a walk.

Tip #7: Enjoy your holiday treats guilt free!

• Enjoy all of the holiday treats you enjoy and don’t feel the pressure to get a workout in to burn off what you ate.
• Instead, work out because it makes you feel good and keeps you strong, not because you ate differently than you normally would.

Tip #8: Plan to return to your regular workout routine when the holidays are over

• Staying active during the holidays will make this much easier than if you decide to take weeks off completely from exercise.

Remember, the holidays are supposed to be a fun time to spend with family and friends-don’t let working out stress you out!  If you employ some of these tips over the next month or so, you will set yourself up for a more enjoyable holiday season.

All the best to everyone in the Feldman PT and Performance family and I hope you have a happy holiday season!

Meg