“I’m a firm believer that those who take care of their bodies will be more enjoyable to be around.” – Zac Ansaldo
A healthy body provides the vehicle to perform at your best at work, at home, for your family, and anywhere else peak performance is demanded. As the holidays approach there will be more opportunities to cheat on your diet or workout regime but it doesn’t have to be that way. Use these 5 tips to stay healthy while celebrating with your friends and family.
1. Plan ahead – Put your workouts in your calendar and treat it like you would any other appointment by planning around it. When my schedule gets overwhelmed, I place my workouts early in the day when it’s most protected. Don’t lounge around the house in your slippers until 10am then head out to shop or run errands. If you’re not actually being productive chipping away at your to-do list then make the most of that time. Workout from 8:15-9am at home before heading out for the day.
2. Stay hydrated – Drink lots of water! With increased alcohol intake and sugary foods staying on top of your hydration will help prevent you from feeling so sluggish. Use a large water bottle and bring it with you everywhere you go. This is also a great strategy to help you feel full and not over indulging when snacks are abundantly available.
3. Get Creative – With the shopping, family gatherings, office party, you may not have the hours in the day to do your normal group class or training session at the gym. Here is one workout you can work into your busy holiday schedule. Create your own using a similar template or repeat it and see if you can cover more distance in the 10 minutes each time or complete the bodyweight movements faster!
2 ROUNDS
10 MIN Run for distance (substitute for any cardio such as bike, rower, ski erg, etc)
-then 4 rounds-
5 Pushups
5 Air Squats
5 Burpees
Repeat!
4. Accountability Buddy – Ask a friend or family member to join you in your workouts. After a big meal, take a walk with your sister, cousin, whoever to catch up on life. If you’re someone who typically finds yourself a few pounds heavier after the holidays make a contest out of it. Whoever can manage their weight best between now and January 1st wins – last place has to do 100 burpees! Everybody wins because even the “loser” gets their cardio in for the day. A real accountability buddy will join you anyway. Best part is you can do it virtually even from afar.
5. Reward yourself – You earned the right to splurge while celebrating the holiday but don’t go too far off the rails. Eat and drink what you want but be reasonable with your portion sizes. Cut yourself off at two glasses of wine and one dessert. Intentionally slow yourself down and listen to your body, “Am I satisfied?” and stop before you’re stuffed.
Best of luck this holiday season. Enjoy!
Zac Ansaldo is a functional fitness coach and owner of Nomad Fitness. He lives in Sarasota Florida with his wife, Lynsey. More of his fitness tips can be found at https://www.nomadfitness.net/blog