Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays
COVID has presented some unique obstacles in terms of how we exercise this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get creative with movement, especially around the holidays (when sweet treats are in abundance, and perhaps the desire to shed some extra calories).
Fortunately, there are plenty of fun ways to incorporate holiday cheer into our training sessions - whatever they may look like right now - and still accomplish a seriously good sweat. And while it’s no secret that it’s cold and rainy at present, we hope the following list gives you some good ideas:
Take an outdoor walk around your neighborhood with family or friends - Make this fun! Check out Christmas lights or bring along some hot cocoa. Anything goes, and walking is one of the best low-impact movements out there.
Put a twist on a classic. Make traditional board games more fun by incorporating bodyweight movements like burpees, push-ups or air squats into the rules.
Use incentives. Live a little during the holidays! If you crush a 3-mile run, reward yourself with a cookie after. Or several.
Dress up in fun holiday wear and complete a workout. Most everyone enjoys getting a little extra festive this time of year. Dress up in fun Christmas sweaters, a Santa suit, or anything else that makes you feel extra Christmas-y and dominate a workout with your squad!
Explore a new hike or outdoor area where you live. Since most of us have a little extra downtime during the holidays, make a point to explore at least one new outdoor area, whether it’s in your neighborhood or state park nearby. Adventure awaits.
Set goals for the new year. Together. It’s always fun to think about the fresh start that awaits us after Christmas. Talk through some of your fitness and lifestyle goals, make a list, and share them with others.
Hopefully, this list inspired you in some form. While staying active is important, know that it’s okay to simply enjoy yourself during the holidays. Exercise will always be there, and you can jump back in anytime. The point is to have some FUN!
FIT TIP: This month’s fit tip goes hand in hand with the last portion of today’s blog. While we always advocate for having a plan, exercising consistently and eating holistically as much as possible, we understand that life happens, especially around the holidays. Make room for flexibility and give yourself grace if you miss a workout, enjoy an indulgence, or need more rest. It’s okay. When fitness and eating healthy becomes a massive hindrance in our lives, rather than something we enjoy, it’s time to hit the reset button and shift things around. If that means doing a little less than usual, so be it! Re-prioritize your goals and/or schedule, gain momentum, then get after it. You got this, and we’ll always be cheering you on!