Working out with a buddy, like Caity, can make sticking to your goals twice as fun.
When holiday season festivities starts to take over schedules, making healthy choices becomes increasingly difficult. That’s why, when asked about my fitness regimen while traveling for work, my mind went straight to sharing tips on staying fit throughout the holidays. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but a few strategies I’ve practiced over the years that have helped me stay fit during the busiest season of the year.
1. Make sacrifices. Love wine or craft beer? Try indulging in just one less glass if you plan to reach for the sweets. A six-ounce glass of wine that has an ABV of 15% has about 144 calories, which is about as much as a small dessert. If you like spritzers, you can mix wine with club soda (which has zero calories) to make your drinks last throughout the night (and maybe have two helpings of dessert).
2. Make it a group effort. Register for a Santa Run (Silicon Valley people: here’s one for you) or another fitness event that happens to take place this time of year. Don’t forget to get your husband/boyfriend, brother or best-friend to run with you. Going at it together will help you make sure you get your workout in and don’t miss any QT with loved ones. Don’t like to run? Catch up with friends on a walk, hike or by going to yoga together.
3. Try new things. If going to the gym is a big part of your fitness routine, don’t let travel keep you away. Call gyms in the area you’re traveling and ask about trial memberships. If you’re into yoga, many studios offer guests one free pass; grab a 5 or 10 class pass to keep up your asanas after that. Since you probably know people where you are going, ask someone where they go and plan to go together!
4. Be flexible. Holidays can get really hectic and that can make your fitness routine or healthy eating plans fall underway. It’s important to remember that each day is brand spankin’ new and you can always get back on track. You should never be too hard on yourself, but especially over the holidays. They are meant to be enjoyed!
5. Socialize your goals. Letting friends and family know you plan to eat gluten-free or are training for a half marathon will only help you reach your goals. Talking to others about goals acts as a reminder that they are important to us and it also ensures you have a league of cheerleaders on your team!
Above all, I’d like to remind you to not be too hard on yourself. January is a long, comparatively uneventful month (read: there is time to get back on track should you get derailed a bit in December!)
Shop some of my favorite workout chic looks:
What are your holiday fitness tips?
