Moving Through the Holidays
Why do we feel like we have to PAUSE our fitness during the holidays? Or wait until afterwards to start & set fitness goals?
(We don’t have to.)
Are there ways to keep moving towards our goals or set new ones…AND still enjoy this festive time of year?
YES!
While you may not be doing a full workout, meeting a trainer, or going to the gym, that doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate movement into your day(s). It is a great time to inspire your family members to move as well, turning it into a fun, family, team building part of your day.
Here are some ideas to stay moving while on holiday:
SET ASIDE TIME:
First thing in the morning is great so you don’t lose track of time. Pop the turkey in the over and then do some morning yoga before everyone else gets up.
Let everyone know your plan/when you’ll exercise. That will hold you accountable and maybe inspire them to join too. “Hey Partner/kids/animals, before lunch on Thanksgiving I’m going for a short hike!”
ASK YOUR TRAINER to create or assign a specific Holiday workout for you. Use that as motivation and extra accountability.
MAKE IT A GAME:
Yard games are great especially if there are kids around:
Red Light, Green Light - Simon Says - Fox & Geese (this was one of Emily’s favorite growing up).
Flag Football or just throw and catch outside.
Post Dinner Walk/I spy - Get the whole family involved. Take a walk around the neighborhood to see who can find the most pumpkins or Santas, the best light display, or craziest decorations.
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Lot’s of towns hold fitness events for the holidays like Turkey Trots, Gallop & Gorge 5K, etc. Most of these have gone virtual in 2020, so there are lots of opportunities to sign up for a race, fun run, or mile walk & virtually exercise with others.
VOLUNTEER:
When you volunteer, not only are you helping your community, you are moving more than you would be sitting at home sorting through food, stacking shelfs, packing up food for families, moving boxes, etc. Whether that is volunteering at a food bank, soup kitchen, or shelter, this is a great way to get on your feet & help someone in need this holiday season.
Just don’t forget to wear a mask & check COVID precautions in your area.
In 2020, your holidays are probably going to look very different than they ever have. This is the Perfect opportunity add in new MOVEMENT holiday traditions. Keep the traditions you already have, but make movement a part of your holidays, too. Don’t use it as an excuse to skip, just make it fun!
How do you make movement a priority during this season? Drop a comment, or head over to our socials and let us know! We’d love to feature your ideas, as well.
Hear from the trainers…
From Kyle:
With all the extra responsibilities during the holidays it’s hard to find time to workout. A few things I do personally to make sure I stay active are:
I make it a priority by doing it first thing in the morning:
Coffee. Meditate. Workout.
Before covid when we travelled for the holidays, I would always bring a jump rope, TRX, and yoga mat with me. I always had a way to workout in the car with me. Now that we’ll be home, it will be a little bit easier because, without traveling, I’ll have more free time.
From Emily:
I used to absolutely hate yoga, but since having my daughter, I have found it to be a beautiful way of moving and clearing my mind. I like start my days that way, especially if I think they are going to be hectic or out of the norm (aka Holidays). Then, I always bundle up and get outside before it gets too cold. We’ll take my daughter and dog for a walk, in between prepping for dinner.
As a dancer, I make that a part of my holidays, as well. In the past I would go take class (a favorite of mine was Tapping Off the Turkey in NYC). Now, I’ll just make sure that I take a virtual class, or set aside time to practice on my own.
