Fitness tips for the festive season

It’s time to let down your hair, party like there’s no tomorrow and sleep in till 10. But… (there’s always a but!), amidst the celebrations, our fitness routines often fall by the wayside. If there’s one gift you should give yourself this season, it’s the gift of staying fit throughout this time. Let us tell you why…

“I’ll just start in January”

It is tempting to indulge over the holiday period and start afresh in the new year. But, the holidays can bring their own busy schedules, social gatherings, and lots of running around. Sticking to a regular fitness routine will help keep your energy levels up, so you’re not left run down and exhausted. Instead of feeling sluggish, you'll feel more energised, allowing you to truly savour this time.

We can’t discount the surprising amount of stress that this time can trigger either. There’s last-minute shopping, extra financial pressure, and family obligations. Staying active is a great way to relieve that stress. Exercise releases endorphins, boosting your mood and keeping stress in check, making it easier to handle the pressures of the season.

Also, ask yourself. Do you really want to start the new year already feeling restricted, resentful and overwhelmed at the task ahead of getting back into shape? Instead of approaching January with literal baggage (weight gain) and lethargy, you can stay fit during this time and enter the new year feeling lighter and more optimistic about your fitness goals. Small, consistent efforts now can make a big difference in your new year, “new you” outlook.

Fun ways to stay fit

12 days of Fitmas

Take inspiration from the season itself. Each day, add one new exercise to your routine, just like the classic holiday song. Start with one minute of planks on day one, then add a set of push-ups on day two, and so on. By the time you hit day 12, you'll have a full-body workout that gets progressively more challenging.

Dance-off

There’s no better time to stage a few dance-offs! Gather the family together (you could even make it a daily challenge), turn up the tunes and dance off those calories. Fun fitness with some guaranteed competitive rivalry thrown in for good measure.

Christmas Survivor

Create a mini-challenge where you have to complete a set of exercises within a certain time. Choose exercises that work various muscle groups, like squats, lunges, and sprints. The aim is to have fun, get your heart pumping, and finish strong as you enter the new year.

Festive fitness hunt

Organise a holiday-themed scavenger hunt that involves active challenges along the way. Create a list of items or clues to find around the house or neighbourhood and include mini fitness tasks like a set of jumping jacks or a short obstacle course to the next clue.

Portion control breaks

Sounds weird but go with it. Before reaching for seconds at meals, take a short walk around the house, or walk up and down the stairs a few times. This brief break helps your body assess whether you’re truly hungry and lets your food settle, helping with portion control.

Make the most of outdoor activities

Take advantage of the sunny weather. Go for hikes, walks in the park, and swim at local pools. While you’re at it, take part in fitness charity runs or workout events that many charities host this time of year. It’s a fun and worthy way to derive a sense of accomplishment, help a good cause, and keep you active, all while bringing a festive spirit to your fitness routine.

Staying on track

• The festive season is often hectic, so schedule your workouts just like any other social event. Mark it on your calendar and treat it as a non-negotiable part of your day.
• Instead of lengthy workouts, go for quick, high-intensity intervals or short workouts. Even 15-20 minutes can keep you in shape and is easier to fit into a busy holiday schedule.
• Involve family members or friends who want to stay active too. Exercising together not only keeps you accountable; it adds a social element to your fitness routine.
• Set little goals and reward yourself when you meet them. Whether it’s treating yourself to a relaxing spa day or that new pair of shoes, rewarding yourself keeps you motivated and celebrates the small wins.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.