Staying consistent with exercise can be tough anytime. Add in the holidays and it can be a whole lot harder. But, I’ve got you covered with some easy tips to keep your exercise routine moving throughout the holidays.
Most of us consume a few extra calories during the holiday season. You know the homemade bread, cookies, cake, and candies. I love to bake during this time of year and if I’m going to bake it, I’m going to eat it.
All in moderation, of course! If you love all the homemade treats too, then stick with me on this. The average woman gains 1 – 5 pounds during the holidays. Some women even as much as 10 pounds.
BUT NOT US!
Exercise is the best way to burn the extra calories from holiday treats. Exercise also relieves stress, helps you sleep better, boosts energy and helps keep you healthy through the holidays. Throw out any ideas of perfection and do your best to stick as close to your workout routine as possible.
How to stay consistent with exercise
1. Plan ahead
To ensure we stay consistent with our fitness routine, we need to be intentional and the best way to turn our intentions into action is to schedule our workouts.
Look at your calendar for the week, block 20 – 30 minutes for exercise. If you can’t find 30 minutes, break it into 10-minute blocks. I do best when I have a plan – when, where and what. If you don’t have the what covered, grab my 15-minute workout plan.
2. Move more throughout the day
It’s always a good idea to stay active consistently throughout the day vs just one single workout session. My favorite way to keep track of how much activity/movement I’m getting is to track my steps. Aim for a minimum of 10k steps per day.
3. HIIT and strength training
Keep it short and simple with a combination HIIT and strength training workout. Burn more calories in a shorter period of time.
Check out the sample workout below.
4. Exercise in the morning
Our days are guaranteed to get busy. Our best intentions interupted. Expect the unexpected and exercise in the morning. Burn a couple hundred extra calories before your day even gets started. You’ll also feel energized and the endorphins from your workout will boost your mood.
5. Stay consistent with exercise... 10-minute rule
The 10-minute rule is great for those days you don’t feel like exercising. Set the expectation that you will exercise for 10 minutes and give yourself permission that after 10-minutes if you still don’t feel like exercising, you can stop.
I’ve used this approach many, many times. Most of the time, I’m energized after 10-minutes and end up continuing for another 15-20 minutes.
Other times, I really do stop after 10 minutes. If I’m just not into that day, it’s ok.
10 minutes is better than not at all.
6. Set a holiday goal
Staying consistent with exercise can be easier when you have a goal you’re working toward. Keep it super simple.
Some ideas might be…
- Workout 15 minutes a day 3 days a week through end of year
- Go for a 30-minute walk before dinner 3 times a week
- Exercise, stretch, do some ab work while watching my favorite TV show 2 nights a week
7. Grab a buddy
Having a workout buddy makes staying consistent with exercise easier. How do you say no when your workout buddy is standing at your front door ready for a speed walk? You can catch up with a friend, burn some extra calories and move your body. And, it won’t even feel like exercise!
8. Make it a family event
Gather the family for a post holiday dinner walk. Maybe a walk BEFORE dessert? Or a walk, before you crash on the couch and veg out from all the turkey and dressing?
9. Avoid All or Nothing
Remember, perfection is not required. Give yourself some grace and throw out the all or nothing mentality. Short workouts, extra steps throughout the day… these all add up.
Stay consistent with exercise... Try this sample workout
25 jumping jacks
25 squats with heel raise
30 seconds pulsing squats
10 pushups
15 burpees
10 reverse lunges
25 situps
25 mountain climbers
You can do one round OR maybe two, three…
Pin it now. Read it later.
