8 Ways You Can Stay Fit Over the Holidays
8 Ways You Can Stay Fit Over the Holidays
By: MC Middleton
After a long semester of classes and exams, nothing sounds better than retreating to your childhood home for a few weeks to do nothing but sleep and cozy up on the couch. While rest is just as important as activity, maintaining an exercise routine is a crucial part of keeping your sanity intact throughout the holiday season. Below are eight ways to stay fit and sane over the holidays.
Set goals.
A holiday break is the perfect time to set short-term goals. Whether it be to run a mile, exercise for thirty minutes each day, or drink a gallon of water to fight off that winter dryness, attainable goals are perfect for staying on track when it might sound better to just stay in bed.
Eat!
Your mom’s cooking, your sister’s cocktails, and your grandmother’s insistence that you finish everything on your plate can make it difficult to maintain the healthy lifestyle you follow when you live under your own roof. Be kind to yourself and remember that you can enjoy everything in moderation, including desserts and drinks. Hydration, whole foods, and less food guilt are key to celebrating the holiday season with all the best treats while fueling your body and feeling good.
Make a schedule.
The end of a semester is the end of a routine. It is easy to feel a lack of structure when there are no classes or regular schedules to follow. Set yourself up for success by penciling in activities as well as keeping yourself on a sleep schedule that allows you to return to classes in January well-rested and ready to tackle the semester.
Get outside.
Dust off your bike, go for a jog, or lace up your shoes for a walk to get some fresh air and vitamin D when you can take advantage of a cold and sunny day. Depending on your location, getting outside may include snowboarding, surfing, hiking, or ice skating. Activity does not have to be limited to the inside of a gym!
Invest in a virtual fitness program.
If organized workouts or a trainer motivate you, consider giving yourself the gift of a virtual fitness program or subscription. Services such as Peloton, Glo, and P.volve offer subscriptions that allow you to stream classes and access workouts from home.
Try a new class.
Explore cycling, pilates, yoga, or HIIT classes to mix up your routine. Keep an eye out for holiday deals on class packages and trials at gyms in your local area.
Revisit your favorite high school sport.
Bundle up and grab a soccer ball, tennis racquet, basketball, or golf clubs because it is time to relive your glory days. Call your old teammate, sibling, or favorite cousin and head to the park or your backyard for some friendly competition and activity to get your heart rate up.
Partner up.
Accountability partners have proven to be one of the most effective tools to stay on track to meet your goals. Make a plan with someone who will walk, hit the gym, or go to a yoga class with you to keep you accountable to actually making it to that early morning cycling class.
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