Maintaining your fitness regimen is important for a sound body and mind. Finding the time to work out during the holiday season always seems to be somewhat of a challenge. It's always tough with holiday get togethers, work parties and having friends and family in town to find time for working out. Whether you're trying to plan your workouts during holiday time or time starved in general, these tips will help you keep up with your workouts during even the busiest times of the year.
1. Time Cap - Limit your workout to 20 minutes. Hey, a 20 minute workout is better than no workout, right? There is a lot you can get done in 20 minutes. Some of the best, most intense workouts are done in 20 minutes. They not only satisfy your daily requirement for movement but also rev up your metabolism for a longer period of time after your workout. Try HIIT or throwing in some Tabata into a shorter workout. You'll challenge yourself, burn calories and satisfy your inner workout warrior all at the same time. Plus, these shorter workouts are easy to sneak in before your guests get up, in between your child's classroom holiday party and your work party or any convenient space during the day.
2. Get Involved - Instead of working out alone, try getting your holiday guests involved. Take a walk before breakfast or after dinner. It's a great way to spend time with family and friends while being active at the same time. Go on a hike in the woods (weather provided) or take the family ice skating. Getting active together is fun and promotes a healthy lifestyle during the holidays.
3. Take Turns - Rotate workout times with your spouse or significant other. Rotating workout times allows you to get in the type of workout you'd like to get in while allowing the other person to spend time with family and/or friends. So you'd like to go to a 90 minute power yoga class? Great, that means your other half can entertain while you get your sweat on. Want to run 5 miles? You've got the time because your spouse or significant other can cover while you're running like the wind. Rotate with spouses, significant others, older children (of adult age) or who ever you'd like.
4. Try Something New - Get everyone involved in a new activity. Try a holiday 5k (walk or run) for those that may not be adventurous. Try an outdoor activity such as skiing or snow shoeing if in a cold climate or kayaking in a warm climate. A new game that requires some type of activity in between rounds is also such a great idea. An example would be to play Pictionary and ask players to perform jumping jacks or squats in between players.
Get creative with your options for working out when the holiday season is in full swing. Whether you need to shorten your workouts or try another alternative, make sure to move! You'll be happier and healthier both mentally and physically throughout the holiday season as long as you continue to move your body.
Margot Rutigliano is a freelance writer as well as the owner of Vita Vie Retreat. She has been a fitness trainer, wellness coach and healthy living adviser since 1999. Vita Vie Retreat is a fitness retreat offering healthy lifestyle transformation programs for men and women of all ages and fitness levels. For more information or to contact Ms. Rutigliano, please visit http://www.bvretreat.com.
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