You’ve spent all year creating and cultivating your workout and health routine just to come face to face with the biggest obstacle of your fitness year. THE HOLIDAYS. Between time obligations and hand held snacks everywhere you turn, how can you continue your habits but still enjoy your time with the people you love? Here is how to stay on track and set yourself up for success.
1. Plan Ahead
The holiday season tends to get chaotic, so planning your workouts in advance can help you stay committed. Look at your calendar and schedule your workouts just like any other appointment. If you know you’ll be traveling or attending a family gathering, plan for shorter, more intense workouts or home workouts that don’t require a gym.
2. Make Workouts Non-Negotiable
Treat your workout as a non-negotiable part of your day. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during lunch, or after work, make it a habit to prioritize your fitness. Setting a consistent time helps build discipline, and you’ll feel much better afterward—especially when it’s easy to justify skipping workouts during stressful times.
3. Keep Workouts Short and Effective
During the holidays, you may not have time for long gym sessions. Shorter, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts can be just as effective as longer ones, and you can do them at home in under 30 minutes. A quick workout can leave you feeling accomplished and energized without taking up too much time.
4. Stay Flexible
It’s easy to get thrown off course if you miss a workout or two, especially with travel and family events. The key is flexibility. If you can’t make it to the gym or follow your usual workout routine, adjust. Try a bodyweight workout at home or take a brisk walk. The goal is to stay active and not get discouraged by any slip-ups.
5. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
The holidays are a time to enjoy the season and indulge in some treats, and it’s okay if your routine isn’t as perfect as it is during other parts of the year. Give yourself permission to take a break when you need it, but don’t let a few missed workouts derail your progress. The key is balance—enjoy your celebrations, but also make time to care for your body.
6. Be Kind to Yourself
The holiday season can be stressful, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t always go according to plan. Life happens, and sometimes you may need to skip a workout to enjoy time with loved ones. The important thing is to keep going and not let any setbacks stop you from getting back to your routine.
The main rule I have is never have back-to-back days where you fall off your routine. No two bad days in a row. No gym, go for a walk. Do pushups, situps, and squats. Fitness isn’t a specific workout. It is what you make it!
