Unwrap Your Fitness Goals: Overcoming Holiday Plateaus

Struggling to exercise right now?

Think it's too cold, dark and wet to workout?

December and Christmas are the best times of the year to exercise and push through your goals.

The festive season, a time of joy and indulgence, also brings unique challenges to maintaining fitness and health. As we embrace the spirit of Christmas, it's crucial not to neglect our physical well-being. Incorporating a fitness routine into the holiday celebrations can be both fun and rewarding. The "12 Days of Christmas Fitness Challenge" offers an engaging way to keep active amidst the seasonal festivities.

By integrating Christmas-themed workouts and fitness games into our clients holiday plans, we can enjoy the best of both worlds—celebrating the season's cheer and staying on track with our health goals.

TIPS FOR STAYING ON TRACK and MOVING.....

1) STYLE - find a form of exercise you enjoy.... from group exercise, strength training, running, swimming, Pilates, bungee, CrossFit, kickboxing.... there are so many options to keep you motivated.

2) TRIBE- accountability is key and for many it is the key factor to showing up! I'm waiting on you, your group is waiting on you, your bestie is waiting on you (psst because you told her your goal was to not fall off of the wagon again!) ... having others reminding you of your goals, wins and you are not alone makes the cold, dark alarm a little less obnoxious!

3) TIME - this is 1 day a month, well ok 4 if you are counting Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years, sooo all the more reason to stay consistent.

Between all of the parties, the family dinners and the onslaught of "buy this" stress and the shorter/darker days; no wonder we are left feeling the hangover of EVERYTHING crammed into 40 days. Studies show, around 35% of individuals cite exercise as a key strategy to combat holiday stress, with many reporting feeling better about themselves and experiencing reduced stress after working out. So, the health benefits of keeping your consistency is not only about your waistline, but your mental health as well!

TIPS TO AMP UP YOUR HOLIDAY EXERCISE and KEEP YOU GOING:

• Set goals: Focus on maintaining your current weight and staying active. Set specific, measurable goals, such as participating in a holiday fun run or trying a new activity.?
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week. You can try exercising early in the morning to avoid getting caught up in the holiday hustle.?
• Find a workout buddy: Consider working out with a friend or sibling who also wants to stay fit. The variety, competition, motivation, positive feedback, validation and A 2021 study found that those who exercise together experience improved mood during and after exercise.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate when you complete a workout or choose a healthy option.?Sometimes it's the little things in life that are easily overlooked for the big, sparkly object. So, set small obtainable goals at this time of year and celebrate them, instead of going Balls to the Wall at New Years and hoping for something different than last year.
• Enjoy the process: Prioritize activities that you enjoy, like family walks or group workouts helps to keep us engaged and appreciating what our bodies can do VS punishing it for all the extra goodies we enjoy this time of year.?
• Hydrate: Drink a large glass of water before a big meal to reduce excess eating.?Dehydration is not a "summer only" problem.... it's colder and we tend to drink less water, which can lead to fatigue, overeating for energy or to stay awake, so keep it flowing.
• Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, trigger anxiety attacks, and lead to overeating.?Sometimes we over extend ourselves during this time causing our own stumbling blocks, so keep you sleep time a priority to combat stress and keep your energy up.
• Use body weight exercises: Short on time or stuck at the office/ home...Combine body weight exercises with walking or other daily activities if you can't make it to the gym. Body weight exercises are a great way to challenge yourself and change up your normal equipment based routine (psst your body weight is FREE)!
• Explore during your workouts: this a time we offer holiday specials, group sessions based on holiday challenges allows and you to explore something different to see what might be a good, consistent fit to keep you going.

Your body won't go where your mind doesn't push it, Exercise is a Blessing

Living Amped,

Michelle

www.ampedlifestyle.com