Staying on Top of Your Fitness During the Holiday Season

 

With the holiday season comes cold weather and holiday parties stocked with delicious, but most times, unhealthy food. For some, it can be very difficult to stay on top of health and wellness during the holiday season. Some like to stay active by being able to do outdoor activities like running and biking; these can be difficult to accomplish during the colder months. It can also be difficult to avoid the delicious holiday meals that taunt us at holiday parties. This holiday season, make sure you stay on top of your fitness! Here’s how:

Set a challenge. Set a challenge that is going to keep you motivated and push you to stay on top of your fitness. Create your own challenge. Maybe promise yourself to run one mile every single day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. You can challenge yourself by trying a new workout routine, getting to a certain lifting weight, or trying new yoga poses every day. Another great way to make sure you stay challenged is to find a workout partner; someone who will push you and keep you going every single day. Find what is going to motivate you.

Start a fitness tradition. Creating family traditions during the holidays is what the holiday season is all about. Start a new family fitness tradition! During the holidays, there are a lot of holiday-themed running events that will be fun for the whole family. Sign up for a Turkey Trot or a Jingle Jog. Find a running event in your area and make it a family tradition.

Find a promotion. During the holidays, gyms and fitness centers tend to offer really good deals and specials. See what you can find in your area. You may be able to find a free membership trial or maybe even a free consultation with a personal trainer. If you’re able to get a good deal during the holidays, you should go for it. Signing up for a gym or for a class with a personal trainer can keep you motivated throughout the winter months to stay on top of your fitness.

Stay moving. If you aren’t a fan of going to a gym or a fitness center, there are other ways to stay active during the holiday season. If you have kids, this is the perfect time to find your inner child and be active at the same time. Get involved in activities like sledding, snowball fights, or ice skating. These activities will get you burning calories and staying active. Although not the more fun option, doing yard work can also be a huge calorie burner during the winter months. Raking leaves or shoveling snow can be pretty great workouts. If you want to be really productive, taking a trip to the mall can knock out two activities at once. You can get your holiday shopping in AND you can do some power walking while shopping and burn some calories.

Work towards a goal. Working towards a goal goes hand in hand with setting up a challenge for yourself. Before the holiday season begins, set a goal for yourself that’s realistic but also challenging. Giving yourself a fitness goal leaves room for no excuses when it comes to staying on top of your fitness during the holiday season.

Despite the cold weather and the holiday preparation stress, there is always a way to fit fitness into your schedule. Stay motivated during the winter months and get others involved. Get your family and friends to join in and help you reach your fitness goals. Take the steps to stay motivated during the holidays, and you won’t regret it when spring rolls around.