Staying fit during the holidays is a unique challenge. Not only are there Christmas treats everywhere you look, but most of the United States and Europe are so cold that you can hardly spend time outside exercising.
So, other than for those who live in the sunny state of Florida, how can one stay fit during the holidays? We’ve got a few tips and tricks up our sleeve, read on to learn more.
1. Squeeze in Activity Wherever Possible
We know the holidays are a busy time of year for everyone. Not only do you need to shop for gifts, but you also have Christmas parties to attend and family coming into town!
This is why we recommend squeezing in activity wherever possible. You might have to get creative, but chances are there are places you can add activity to your schedule with very few adjustments.
For example, if you have to head to the mall to shop for gifts, we recommend arriving 20 minutes early and making two loops around the mall before you start your shopping. Not only will this allow you to make a game plan, but you’ll also get your steps in!
For those heading to a neighborhood Christmas party, if it’s within a mile or two, we recommend skipping the drive and walking instead. Of course, it will be a bit cold, but that will just encourage you to walk a little faster.
2. Schedule Work Outs
Just as you are adding parties and events to your calendar, add in time for working out too! Even if you don’t use your calendar for workouts the rest of the year, chances are, the Christmas season is when you really need to do so.
We recommend penciling in 30 minutes a day at least 3 times per week. While this is a bit lower than our normally recommended 5x per week, we know that it is also important to stay realistic during the holidays. It’s better to at least maintain some activity than none at all!
3. Find Home Workouts
If you are used to running outside, or perhaps just taking a walk each evening after dinner, you might find it impossible with heaps of snow on the sidewalks. Therefore, during the holiday season, we recommend you head to YouTube and find some home workouts you enjoy doing that you are able to do in your living room.
From yoga to step workouts, there are so many options on YouTube. Don’t be afraid to try a few to find what you really enjoy doing!
4. Sign Up for a Gym
This one is a bit of a tough one because while most gyms offer discounts when you sign up in January, those deals start in January, which is a bit late when you need a place to work out starting in December.
That being said, it might be a good time to do a few gym trials. Most gyms will allow you 1-2 free visits to test out their facilities. We recommend calling all of the gyms in your area (that you aren’t currently a part of) and setting up visits during the month of December. Then, when January rolls around, see which one you liked best (or has the best deal) and sign up for the coming year!
5. Find a Friend
Chances are, you aren’t the only one struggling with fitness during the holidays. Ask your social circle at the beginning of the season (November) whether anyone else is looking to stay fit during the holidays. Find 1-2 friends and pledge to work out through the cold season together.
You can go on walks if they live nearby, or do home workouts at each other’s homes. If one or more have a gym membership, consider joining their gym so you can work out together and hold each other accountable!
Although your options might be limited, we do recommend trying to find someone who has the same fitness level as you do, because otherwise you might find yourself more sore than you bargained for during the holidays!
6. Just Say No to Treats
We know how tough the holidays are. Cookies, cakes, and pies start appearing on every surface. And if that weren’t enough, there are also tons of sugary, warm drinks you can buy during the holidays.
While we aren’t suggesting that you should say no to every treat you see, it’s important to exercise self-control at parties and events, especially if you are working out less than you normally would. We also recommend choosing healthier alternatives whenever possible—because even though they aren’t healthy, they’re better than loading up on sugar and carbs.
For example, if you are at a holiday party with a snack spread, head for the charcuterie board or the nut bowl instead of the cookie plate. These foods will keep you fuller than sugar. Also, if you aren’t sure if there will be options you can eat available, ask if you can bring something from home to share—this way you can still indulge but do so responsibly!
7. Keep An Eye on Your Mental Health
Unfortunately, overeating and low exercise during the holiday season can be caused (or exploited) by poor mental health. If you are feeling sad, lonely, or depressed, you are more likely to overindulge in sugary and alcohol filled foods.
Therefore, you need to check in with yourself, and if you aren’t feeling well, use some of these tips to lift your spirits. And if that doesn’t help, we recommend seeking mental help from a therapist or psychologist—as they can ensure your depression isn’t caused by something medical. After all, you aren’t yourself when you are feeling depressed!
Overall, we hope that at least one of these methods can work for you and help you stay fit during this holiday season. Because the last thing you want is to start the New Year feeling unhealthy or out of shape!
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