Change Your Work Out During the Holidays

There is no doubt about it, finding time to work out during the holidays is always a challenge. I don’t just mean the winter holidays; summer, long weekends, and vacations (remember those?) all disrupt routine. And when routine goes, fitness is often the first thing to suffer. With all of the benefits we get from exercise, though, it’s a shame to let it go completely just because your calendar gets busy. Instead, I’ve got some ideas to keep your body moving – but in slightly different ways. 

Ways to Modify Your Work Out During the Holidays 

Maintaining your usual work out routine between holiday shopping, baking, visiting, and the kids out of school sounds exhausting… but exercise is also a great way to relieve stress, something that tends to pop up this time of year. Rather than try to keep up with your regular routine, show yourself some grace and consider a different perspective on fitness for a while. 

1. Look ahead. If you usually work out on the same days at the same time, look ahead for any schedule conflicts. You may have to fit in your exercise at a different time than usual. You may even find a time or day that you like better!
2. Do less. Let yourself be okay with doing a shorter workout than usual. Some movement is better than none. Here are some ideas that only take ten minutes, but will keep your body moving.
3. Take days off. I hope you already give yourself a day off a week to rest, but you may need to take a few more during the holidays. Your body needs rest, so give it what it needs. You can make greater gains in the future after your body has had the chance to repair itself. 
4. Make an appointment. Book a few classes or training sessions for over the holidays. It will keep you accountable and give you something to look forward to.
5. Get social. Plan some active social gatherings, rather than the usual get-togethers over food. Walking, running, skiing, skating, axe-throwing, or snow-shoeing are all great ways to get moving while still visiting. 
6. Think small. Last month I did a mini-challenge each week on Instagram, where I challenged you to do one set of one super simple exercise each day for a week. These sorts of exercises will keep you strong and moving throughout the holidays, and will help you pick back up again in a few weeks. Make it work for you by doing some Pilates or mobility exercises and stretches periodically throughout the day. 

I know how great it feels to get into a fitness routine that you love, which is why it can be frustrating when it gets disrupted. But disruption can be good! It gives you the opportunity to rest, reflect on what’s working (or isn’t), and maybe even try something new. 

I’d love to know how you work out during the holidays! Do you take a week or two off, switch things up, or stick to your schedule?