December is officially here, which means festive parties, after-work drinks and multiple Christmas dinners, and not to mention all the sneaky mince pies – ’tis truly the season for indulgence.
As a result, it can be hard to prioritise staying active and on top of your goals, especially when you’re juggling a busy social calendar and festive feast temptations.
We know you want to keep on top of your health and fitness game over the next few weeks, but we’re also big advocates of treating yourself, because you deserve it, GF! So to help, we’ve rounded up some top tips to keep you active and energised over the festive period - whilst still having fun!
- Set realistic goals
You deserve a rest, and the Christmas break is a great time to take some well-earned downtime. Keep your fitness goals in sight but don’t be too hard on yourself – set yourself realistic goals with plenty of time for rest and enjoying the company of loved ones. Instead of pledging to smash a workout every single day, try and maintain a low but sustainable level of exercise - enjoy a short walk every other morning, go for a run at the weekend, or incorporate a quick 10-minute blast of HIIT to keep your body in the habit of exercising. Check out our Instagram for some quick workouts you can do anytime, anywhere!
- Stay hydrated
We know, we know - it wouldn’t be the party season without a festive tipple or two. Now, don’t deny yourself the glass of bubbly, or the hot chocolate, but do remember to keep up your water intake. Drinking plenty of water not only suppresses your appetite; it also boosts your metabolism, helping you to digest the festive treats faster and more efficiently. Check out these 10 easy ways to sneak more H20 into your day.
- Optimise your workouts
If you’re a busy bee over the Christmas season and short on time, plan a more intensive workout to get the most of your workout window. Try increasing your weights – this will induce muscle fatigue faster, shortening your workout time. And why not increase your step count, too? An early morning or evening walk can be an easy and effective way to keep active and use up some of that festive season fuel.
- Don’t overdo it
Yes, this is a time for treats but that doesn't mean you have to blow all your hard work out of the water. The festive season would be nothing without a few delicious indulgences, but be sure to also incorporate plenty of vitamins and micronutrients into your festive meals too. Load up on leafy greens like brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and other nutrient-rich veg to give you a healthy festive glow and help replenish energy levels.
- Workout with your bestie
Social lives generally explode in December, so why not make your social catch-ups active! Rather than catching up for drinks or lunch at a café why not make the catch up active. Or mix the two! Exercising with a friend is a great way to ensure you see your fitness goals through, as you can hold each other accountable for showing up to classes or meeting for that morning walk.
What are your tips for staying active over the festive season? Let us know in the comments!
However, you choose to do it, try to make this festive season rich in both activity and rest. Find a balance that works for you - and don't forget enjoy yourself!
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