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With the holidays approaching, it’s easy for our fitness plans to go by the wayside. Fortunately, by making a few adjustments, you’ll have no problem staying fit throughout the season. Here are six tips for staying active amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
1. Plan your workouts ahead of time
Try to plan your workout schedule for the week, especially if you’re traveling for the holidays. Wherever you’re exercising, take some time to figure out your options. “Find out if there’s exercise equipment or a fitness center where you’re staying, or locate nearby trails for walking and running,” said Darby Langel, Exercise Specialist at Inspira Fitness Connection. “Committing to exercise makes you more likely to stick with your plan.”
2. Be prepared and dress for the weather
Cold weather can be an easy excuse to limit your physical activity during the holidays, but having the right gear can help. As long as you’re dressed appropriately for the weather, it’s never a bad day to go outside. Embrace the wintery conditions, and don’t let them interfere with your workout plans.
3. Find a friend to exercise with
“Working out with a partner can help hold you accountable and keep you consistent, which is crucial for staying on track throughout the holidays,” said Langel. “When someone else is counting on you to exercise with them, you’re more likely to find an excuse because you don’t want to let them down.” Moreover, you’ll find encouragement and motivation to work harder and get better results when exercising with a partner.
4. Stay hydrated and eat sensibly
Part of staying active is eating well and drinking plenty of water. Practice mindful eating throughout the holiday season, and consider your portion sizes when filling your plate. Instead of avoiding your favorite holiday treats, enjoy them in smaller portions. Incorporating vegetables, whole grains and low-fat protein can help keep you fuller for longer and fuel your body.
5. Set reasonable goals for yourself
Keeping track of your progress can help increase your motivation, which is one of the most challenging parts of staying active throughout the holiday season. Set realistic fitness goals to hold yourself accountable and ensure future fitness success.
6. Remember that some exercise is better than none
“The holiday season is a busy time, so if you can’t fit in your full workout, don’t skip exercising altogether,” said Langel. “A quick workout, even just ten minutes daily, is better than nothing.” If you’re short on time, opt for a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout for optimal results.
No matter what your fitness and wellness goals are, Inspira Fitness Connection can help support you throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Inspira Health is a high reliability organization (HRO), which means safety is the top priority for patients and staff. To make an appointment, call 1-800-INSPIRA.
