How to Stay on Track with Your Fitness Routine Over the Holidays

The holidays can be a difficult time to stay on track with your fitness routine. With all the temptations of holiday treats, it can be hard to find the motivation to maintain your fitness goals. However, with a little bit of dedication and planning, you can keep up with your fitness routine while still enjoying the festivities of the season.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track with your fitness goals over the holidays.

Set Realistic Goals

The holidays can be a difficult time to stay on track with your fitness routine. With so many parties, family gatherings, and delicious treats around, it can be hard to stay motivated and committed to your goals. But, with the right plan and mindset, you can make it through the season without compromising your health.

One of the best ways to stay on track during the holidays is to set realistic goals. Instead of aiming to lose a large amount of weight or make dramatic changes in a short amount of time, focus on smaller goals that are more achievable. Consider setting a goal to work out a few times a week, even if it’s just going for a walk or doing some light stretching. Or, set a goal to eat healthy snacks throughout the day and make better food choices during meals. These smaller goals can be more manageable than trying to completely overhaul your diet or workout routine.

Another way to stay on track is to create a plan of action. Having a clear plan can help you stay focused and motivated. Write down specific activities that you want to do each day, such as running for 30 minutes or drinking eight glasses of water. Make sure to set achievable goals for yourself and break them into manageable tasks so that you can track your progress.

Find an Activity You Enjoy

Another way to stay active over the holidays is to find an activity you enjoy. Whether you like going for a jog, playing tennis, or taking a yoga class, make sure to choose something you actually like doing. This will help keep you motivated to get up and get moving. Additionally, it can be fun to try something new. Consider exploring a new outdoor trail or joining a local sports league. There are plenty of activities that can help you stay fit and healthy while still having fun.

Finally, don’t forget to have fun! It’s important to enjoy the holidays and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Find creative ways to incorporate physical activity into holiday celebrations. Go for a walk after dinner or have a dance party with family and friends. Making fitness part of the fun can help you stay focused on your goals while still enjoying the season.

Set a Schedule

Make a plan for when you will fit in time for exercise each week, and write it down so that you can refer back to it as needed. This will help you stay motivated and accountable when it comes to your fitness goals.

You may not be able to maintain the same level of intensity that you had before the holidays began, but you can still make progress by incorporating shorter workouts into your routine. Try setting a goal for a certain number of days that you want to work out each week, and then break those workouts down into smaller chunks of time. This will help you stay focused and motivated.

Finally, make sure that you’re giving yourself plenty of breaks throughout the week. The holidays can be stressful, and it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Give yourself permission to take time off if you need it. Rest days are just as important as workout days!

Reward Yourself

The best way to stay motivated and stay on track with your fitness routine is to reward yourself for your hard work. Every step you take towards staying active and healthy should be celebrated! That doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy yourself something extravagant every time you work out or make a healthy meal - although, if you can afford it, go ahead!

Instead, find small rewards that help keep you motivated. For example, give yourself a day off after a week of hitting the gym every day. Or, treat yourself to a massage after completing an intense training program. Maybe even give yourself an hour to just relax and watch your favorite show after a long workout session.

You don’t have to break the bank to reward yourself for staying on track with your fitness routine over the holidays. In fact, you can use it as a way to motivate yourself to continue your health and fitness goals in the New Year. Allowing yourself small rewards here and there can be just the push you need to make sure that your fitness routine doesn’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

If you or someone you know is looking for support in fitness and nutrition please feel free to reach out to me to schedule a free consultation to get started.

Take care, be well, stay fit!

Roxy