Holiday Survival Guide

For many of us, the crazy holiday season is a really hard time to stay focused on our fitness. From spreading ourselves thin with holiday parties, family gatherings, cooking, and other preparations to those delicious meals and treats hiding around every corner…and making it to the gym isn’t always a top priority.

We know you WANT to stay healthy…and of course, you know that lean turkey breast is a better option than a second piece of pecan pie…but it’s hard. We get it. Instead of using an all-or-nothing approach this season, how about setting some realistic goals and maybe even a few small limits when it comes to ‘cheat meals’ and alcohol? Having a plan will go a long way to help you feel better, see yourself as successful, and keep the extra fluff at bay (many times caused by stress and salty foods…not necessarily from “gaining weight”)!

If you already track your macros, you’re one step ahead. Go ahead and put tomorrow night’s party beers into something like MyFitnessPal, then plan your day’s meals around that number. If you don’t track, it’s ok. Just think about “switching out” some of your normal daily calories/fuel for that piece of pie tonight or mimosa Thursday morning. Being mindful and giving yourself a little grace goes a long, long way.

Your time is precious, and we always advocate for BALANCE in your life, so if you can’t make it to the gym for a workout…cool. It’s not the end of the world. Savor the time you’re spending with family….but why not make some of it active time and show them some of the workout movements you love so much.

How about running a quick kid’s class with the nieces & nephews? You can jump in on the action and spend about 10 minutes doing 5 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, 15 squats. The person with the most rounds at the end of 10 minutes = winner, winner, chicken dinner!

You can also turn it into a game. Every time Santa is on TV = 5 Burpees! Commercial break = who can knock out 20 pushups the fastest? Who can hold a Caveman Squat or a plank hold the longest while watching the football game?

Of course, if you need some alone time, you can always break away and go through a short, high-intensity workout by yourself. Check out THIS POST for some great at-home workout options. When’s the last time you did 7 minutes of Burpees? Bueller? Bueller?

Bottom line: set yourself up for success & start the new year ahead of the game vs. trying to play catch-up and get back to where you were before the holidays!

As always – we’re here to help.
​615-496-4080 | coach@crossfithermitage.com