As the weather starts to get colder and the holidays season is approaching, it becomes less of priority to stick to our workout routine. The last thing you want is more stress and, for many of us, trying to keep to our usual workout program does just that. At the same time, staying active in some way will give you energy, reduce stress and tension and, of course, help reduce some of the extra calories you may be eating.
Therefore, how do we find the balance? Follow these steps to keep active during this holiday season.
Step 1: Plan Ahead
If you’re traveling or going somewhere else during the holiday, planning ahead can help keep you on track. Below are some ideas of how someone can plan ahead:
- Search for walking or running trails nearby
- Look up information about the hotel you’re staying at and see if there is a fitness center.
- Ask family members if they have fitness equipment
- Suggest physical activity with family or friends
- Plan simple workouts that don’t require equipment
Step 2: Get Prepared
If you’re not sure about your schedule or whether you’ll even have time to get in a workout, plan for the worst-case scenario. Try these quick tips for squeezing in a workout even when you only have minutes to spare:
- Bring a workout plan with you. Plan a 10 minute routine you could do in your bedroom. Ex. Daily 10 exercises (squats, lunges, burpees, sit ups, etc.)
- Bring a laptop so you can watch Group Exercise videos or participate in online classes.
- Wear your running and walking shoes as much as you can, so incase you find a little time during your day to go for a quick run or walk.
- Bring equipment if you have it.
Step 3: Use Every Opportunity you Have
Planning and preparing is a great way to start, but plans can get derailed, especially during the holidays. If you find there’s just no way to get in a workout, get creative and find ways to move your body any way you can:
- Walk as much as possible. Take extra laps, use the stairs, volunteer to walk the dog.
- Set up games to play with the kids (football, tag, hide and seek, etc.)
- When watching TV do sit-ups, push-ups, planks, tricep dips, etc. during commercial breaks.
- Offer to help with the housework, shoveling snow, or raking leaves
- If you don’t have equipment, pick up some full water bottles, soup cans, or pots for upper body exercises.
The most important thing is to be realistic and go easy on yourself. You aren’t always in charge of your schedule during the holidays so you can only do your best. Just stay motivated during the holidays and remember if you are traveling you can always go back to your full workout routine once you return. Overall, just try to stay active during the holiday season.
-Olivia Callan
Health Fitness Specialist