It’s no good, we cannot ignore it any longer…Christmas is on its way! I am not being bah humbug about the festive season, but I do recognise that it can be a challenging time of year for some people.
The sheer volume of work that goes into an average family Christmas is enormous, which leaves you less time to do what matters to you. That’s not to say, looking after your family and friends does not matter, but it will undoubtedly mean there is less time for your usual fitness activities.
Throw in the joy of a few boozy Christmas parties, chocolates in the office, mince pies at every turn, and more food than is really necessary, and the festive season can seemingly lie in wait to sabotage the good work you have put in the rest of the year.
BUT it is Christmas. It should be enjoyed not endured, so don’t feel guilty after that slice of yule log or extra pig in its tasty blanket. Life is for living after all!
Keep it simple
My advice is to keep it simple. You may not have time to get out for your usual run or go to your regular classes, and some may not be happening anyway. Even instructors like a break at Christmas! Do something small every day rather than cramming all your effort into a few hour-long sessions every week.
Your ‘something small every day’ could be a walk, or a mile-long run, a short bike ride, dip in the sea…or, if you need tuition, maybe my 12-day challenge? If you have not seen it already, I will be posting an upper body and arms exercise every day starting tomorrow! All you will need are some light hand weights, but you can use cans of beans (or any other food type!) if you do not have weights at home.
12-day challenge
You do not have to start the 12-day challenge straight away as the videos will be on my Facebook and Instagram pages, so you could maybe carry out your challenge over the Christmas break…your very own 12 days of Christmas. Or better still, start the 12-day challenge today and repeat it at the end of the month!
Also, if you browse back through the videos on my social media pages, you will find plenty of suggested exercises for you to try.
Video recordings
If you want a little more and are frustrated that you cannot get to your usual in-person classes over the festive period, I have plenty of Pilates, Zumba and strength video recordings that you can follow. They are just £5 each or you can purchase a bundle of five for that bargain price of £10. That should keep you going! Contact me if you are interested in a bundle.
Just keep the exercise ticking over when you can. And remember that a little bit of indulgence will not do you any harm.