Jingle bells and festive meals are on the horizon, but so is the challenge of staying fit during the most indulgent time of the year. Our blog is your ultimate guide to navigating the festive season without sacrificing your fitness goals. Let’s dive into making this holiday season merry and light!
The Holiday Fitness Conundrum
Festive indulgence vs. fitness goals
For most people, the holiday season is a delightful mix of tempting treats and festive cheer. But, for others, it’s a time of fitness anxiety — let’s talk about it!
Many people find the December – January period challenging when it comes to maintaining fitness goals. It’s the classic battle: enjoying the holidays to the fullest while keeping an eye on health and fitness.
We say it every year, and this year is no different: it’s okay to take a fitness break! We promise, your hard work will not be reversed by enjoying family feasts, drinks with your friends, and a few more sugary treats than usual. And, you can still work out over the Christmas break, even if it’s less than what your normal routine demands.
Workout Wonders: Staying Active Amidst the Festivities
Home workouts: quick and effective routines for busy schedules
Whether you’re travelling, having family come to stay, have a super busy Christmas schedule, or just want to take a break from the gym, it’s really common to still want to stay fit. In this busy period, the key is efficiency.
Short, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or yoga sessions can easily become a part of your bustling holiday schedules. These workouts are perfect to tackle at home because they are fast and require minimal equipment.
The gym during the holidays: same, but different
Of course, you can still head to your local Sista Fitness gym. It’s very common for members to reduce their hours at the gym over the Christmas break, and that’s normal and okay! We’re just happy that you can make it whenever you can.
Staying connected in this way can be incredibly motivating. Plus, it’s a great way to stay connected and find support.
Outdoor activities in summer
In Western Australia, December brings a plethora of outdoor activities under the sun. If gymming during the holidays isn’t your thing, you can embrace walking, swimming, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.
These activities are fantastic for staying active and you’ll soak in some Vitamin D at the same time. Whether it’s a morning jog along the coast or a family picnic with some frisbee thrown in, the summer season provides ample opportunities to keep fit while enjoying the festive spirit.
Mental Wellness: Managing Holiday Stress
Set realistic holiday goals
This is so important — establish realistic and achievable goals. The holidays might not be the time for stringent fitness regimes, but rather for maintaining a level of activity that feels right for you.
Let’s say you normally hit Sista Fitness five days a week. Over the holidays, you might reduce this to two days, with a brisk walk in the mornings if you feel up to it. Don’t put pressure on yourself to stick to something super structured over this period, it’s okay to take a break!
Engage in mindfulness and relaxation
In the whirl of holiday activities, it’s important to take moments for yourself. Practising mindfulness or relaxation techniques can create a moment of calm amidst such a busy time. Just a few minutes each day can make a significant difference in managing stress and maintaining mental balance — this is especially important if you have potentially difficult family dynamics that come out each Christmas
Prioritise sleep
If you’re new here, we’re huge advocates for whole-body health, which includes getting great sleep. Keeping a regular sleep schedule (to the best of your ability) during the holidays is crucial. It helps recharge your body, sharpen the mind, and keeps you energised and focused on your fitness goals.
Enjoy a digital detox
Consider a break from digital screens. Instead, use this time to engage more with those around you. This can help reduce stress and improve your overall holiday experience.
Be body positivity during the holidays
It’s easy to become critical during the holidays when we’re eating more and working out less, so this is your reminder to be kind to your body! Your body is a wonder and helps you do amazing things — celebrate your body for its strength and what it allows you to do.
Staying Fit Over The Holiday Season
As we wrap up our guide on staying fit during the holidays, why not bring your festive fitness journey to Sista Fitness this Christmas season? Whether you’re looking to maintain your workout routine, try something new, or just need a supportive community to keep you motivated, Sista Fitness has got you covered.
