The holidays are a time for joy, laughter, and... let's be honest, a whole lot of eating. But who says you have to let your fitness goals go out the window just because it's the season of giving? With company parties, holiday shopping, and catching up with old friends – let alone if you have children –it can be tough to find time for yourself, let alone a workout. But it is actually possible to maintain your schedule, your six-pack and your sanity as the year draws to an end.
Of course, maybe working out isn't an issue in your family. Perhaps you married into a family of holiday fitness fanatics. Your in-laws are marathon runners, your siblings are yoga gurus, and your kids are so flexible that they're prepping to be gymnasts at the next Olympics. Maybe every festive season feels like you've been dropped into a fitness boot camp disguised as a family gathering.
But in case your holidays don't look like this, here's how to juggle family and fitness during the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, even you athletes who have strollers (or even – shudder – teenagers), it's possible: with some planning and creativity, you can stay fit without losing your mind.
The Festive Season: A Parent's Workout Nightmare
Remember that year you swore you'd train for a marathon over the holidays? You had visions of quiet mornings in the gym, followed by guilt-free festive feasts. Ha! Good one. In reality, your well-intentioned plan was derailed by a never-ending stream of holiday parties, family obligations, and, let's be honest, a lot of snacking.
Your in-laws, bless their hearts, insist on elaborate holiday dinners. And while you appreciate the effort, you can't help but think about what you'd typically achieve with those hours spent in the kitchen. Your siblings, meanwhile, are always up for a last-minute shopping spree or a spontaneous night out. And if you have kids... well, you don't need to explain anything. Adorable, yes. A constant source of joy, absolutely. But also a black hole that sucks up all your time, energy, and sanity. So, yes, it’s understandable if your festive season is a minefield of conflicting priorities.
If the holidays feel like you're walking a tightrope with your trainers and a toddler of some relation in one arm, plus a kettlebell and your in-laws in another (all the while holding a bag of unwrapped presents in your mouth), then fear not. You aren't alone, and every athlete has to work out how to juggle family and fitness at some point in their lives. Here are some ways you can try and strike a balance for a fit, festive and family-orientated at the end of each year.
Holiday Hustle: How to Sneak in Your Workouts
It's easy to let your fitness goals fall by the wayside during this hectic time of year. But here are some great ways to carve out workout time for yourself. Or, better still, flip the situation and get everyone you love involved (children, in-laws, the whole team).
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How to make training time for yourself
Plan Ahead: The holidays can be unpredictable, so planning your workouts in advance is important. Schedule time for exercise on your calendar, just like you would for any other necessary appointment.
And make sure you communicate your plans with your partner well in advance. Chances are that what you have in mind sometimes conflicts with the family's festive plans. So it will be better for your workouts (and relationship) if you get clear on this before you're in the middle of everything. Plus, your family is more likely to respect your time if they know how important it is to you.
Don't Be a Perfectionist: Don't go Googling your gym's Christmas Day opening hours. For real, you don't have to work out every single day for two hours to stay in shape. A little detraining isn't such a bad thing.
Even short workouts at home can make a big difference. So, don't be afraid to cut your workouts into bite-sized chunks if you're pressed for time. The most important thing is to keep moving.
Think Outside the Box: Be bold and try new things. There are plenty of ways to get a workout without hitting the gym. Go for a hike with your dog or hit the dancefloor for a few hours at the office party. Take your new gear for a post-gift-opening run. Or try new cross-training activities that mean you stay in your local area.
Find a Workout Buddy: Got a fitness-minded family member? Enlist them as your festive workout buddy. Whether it's your dad, sister, or that weirdly fit cousin, having a training partner can keep you motivated, especially during the holiday chaos. Plus, you can swap workout tips and complain about sore muscles together. Win-win!
How to include your family in your workout
'Tis the season: If the holidays mean the temperature has dropped, then use the cold weather to do a memorable outdoor adventure with your family.
Ice skating, skiing, or even wrapping up warm for a frosty walk through your neighborhood will give you all a chance to exercise. And let's be fair – keeping an eye on the kids will probably keep you more on your toes (and burn more calories) than when you're doing something solo.
Indoor delights: When was the last time you went trampolining? No, actually, don't answer that question. But instead, check out all the indoor activity centers in your local area that are welcoming to kids. Whether it's jumping, climbing or swimming, they'll probably think you're a fantastic parent for suggesting something like this, and you'll get a chance to track a new activity for your training.
Early birds: If you usually get up at dawn to work out, why not include your children? Young kids are natural-born energy bunnies who don't need an alarm clock like you do. The earlier you get them moving in the day, the earlier they will probably feel tired in the evening. Plus, it's a great way to start your day on a positive note with the family. But don't try this idea with your teenagers (unless they're already as sporty as you are).
New traditions: Why not become one of those families who have an annual event they do every festive season? Think backyard baseball, a family 5k run or a relay race with the in-laws. It's a great way to get everyone involved and have a lot of laughs. Just be prepared for some friendly competition between your relatives (and remember to let the kids win occasionally).
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And that's a wrap!
So, there you have it, folks – a guide to surviving the holidays while maintaining your fitness routine. Remember, the holidays are a time for celebration, not stress. So, don't beat yourself up if you miss a workout or two.
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and stay healthy. And if you happen to gain a few pounds from all the holiday treats, don't worry: you can always burn them off with your new year's goals. Just remember, moderation is key. Happy holidays!
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