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The holiday season is upon us, and it's a time of joy, celebration, and, for many, indulgence. As someone deeply committed to promoting health and wellness, I understand the challenges of staying active and motivated during this festive time of year. But fear not! In this article, I'll share strategies and holiday fitness challenges to help you maintain your fitness routine and keep those holiday spirits high.
Set Clear Goals for the Season As a certified personal trainer and health & wellness coach; I always stress the importance of setting clear and achievable goals. Before the holiday season kicks into high gear, please take a moment to define your fitness objectives. Whether it's maintaining your current fitness level, improving your strength, or simply staying active, having goals will provide you with motivation and direction.
Create a Festive Workout Calendar
Plan your workouts in advance by creating a holiday workout calendar. Schedule your exercise sessions just like you would any other holiday activity. This proactive approach ensures you prioritize your fitness routine amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
Involve Family and Friends
Make fitness a group activity by involving family and friends. Encourage loved ones to join you in holiday-themed workouts, hikes, or group fitness classes. This promotes bonding and holds you accountable for your fitness commitments.
Try Holiday Fitness Challenges
Embrace the season's spirit with holiday fitness challenges. Challenge yourself to complete several workouts or perform specific fitness activities throughout the holiday. Share your challenges with friends and family to create a sense of friendly competition and motivation.
Explore the Great Outdoors
The holidays often bring snowy landscapes and crisp winter air. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors by engaging in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or even a simple snowball fight. These activities can be both fun and physically demanding.
Make the Most of Indoor Workouts
When the weather outside is frightful, bring your workouts indoors. Explore various indoor fitness options, such as yoga, Pilates, HIIT workouts, or dance classes. Many online platforms offer guided home workouts that can be done with minimal equipment.
Incorporate Active Traditions
Many holiday traditions involve physical activity. Whether decorating the house tree or engaging in holiday-themed crafts, look for opportunities to stay active. You are dancing to festive tunes while decorating, which is a fantastic way to increase your heart rate.
Prioritize Recovery and Self-Care
Amidst the holiday chaos, remember the importance of rest and recovery. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and stretching to manage stress and promote overall well-being.
Monitor Your Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial during the holiday season. As a certified wellness coach, I recommend paying attention to your nutrition choices. Enjoy holiday treats in moderation and prioritize nourishing, whole foods to support your fitness goals.
Stay Mindful and Flexible
Remember that the holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy life. Be flexible with your fitness routine, and don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a workout or indulge in a treat. Stay mindful of your choices and get back on track when needed.
In conclusion, staying active and motivated during the holiday season is entirely achievable with the right mindset and strategies. As a certified personal trainer, health & wellness coach, and travel wellness coach, I encourage you to embrace the challenges and opportunities this season brings. By staying committed to your fitness goals and incorporating these tips into your holiday routine, you can celebrate the festivities while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Here's to a fit and festive holiday season!
By Leah Balmer,
CPT, CHWC, and Travel Wellness Coach