5 Tips To Returning To Fitness After The Holidays
We’ve all been there – even if the love for healthy eats and staying active prevails all year, the holiday season has us all craving for some hygge with our family. And who could possibly resist a lush feast? But now that 2018 is under way, there’s no need to guilt your way back to the gym, as you can test out the following methods and see how fast you’ll be back on the right fitness track!
Write it all down
One of the best parts about the holidays is that you finally get to let go of some rules, such as when you eat, measure every portion, count all your macros, or say no to cake after dinner. And now you need to restore the routine and go back to your rhythm.
That means literally noting down your weekly milestones and daily food and exercise goals. Even if it’s just a 30-minute walk, or your spinning class, write it down and by the end of the week, check your progress and consistency. Measurable milestones are the best way to get your head back into the game!
Restock your healthy munchies
Leftover Christmas snacks still lurking in the cupboard? I know it’s painful to say goodbye, but if you’re prone to over-consuming these little nibbles, then you need to empty your kitchen and get healthier alternatives.
Think: almonds, walnuts, peanuts, fruit salads and plenty of veggies, milk (or a milk substitute such as almond milk), and you’ll have enough material for a whole range of delicious smoothies, juices and healthy cookies to substitute your unhealthy snacks.
Arm yourself with the right gear
New year, new beginnings! So, use this opportunity to get rid of your old, worn out trainers and tees, and look for durable gym wear online until you find the perfect tights and tanks to put you in the perfect fitness mindset before your workout.
Also, don’t forget about any safety equipment you might need, especially if you love your HIIT sessions, or you’re into weightlifting. And finally, make your workouts all the more alluring, so create your upbeat playlist, get a pair of wireless headphones that can endure your workout and go win back those glutes!
Slow and steady
If you’re anything like myself, you probably cannot wait to rush back to your training after all the off days and binge sessions. I call it the “fitness fever”. Others, however, have a hard time re-introducing their activities back into their lives, and since it’s more complex than flipping a switch to go back to your old habits, many people just give up altogether.
To prevent that from happening, or to prevent an injury from rushing into it, take your time to create a schedule that lets you take it one step at a time. Start with shortening your sessions, lowering your sets and reps as well as weight, and take more time to warm up and stretch and cool afterwards. Your body will be forever grateful!
Don’t ditch all indulgences
This may sound counter-intuitive, and if you’re not the type of person that can stop after one slice of pizza or one chocolate muffin, then by all means, skip this step altogether. But if you do have a high level of self-control and you’ve already crafted the right routine for yourself as far as exercise and nutrition go, there’s no reason not to enjoy an occasional treat.
Whatever it may be for you, sweet pastry or ice-cream, practice moderation and feel free to indulge in your little guilty pleasure. That sort of balance helps us stay healthy and on the right track, so find your own rhythm and enjoy it all the way!
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This post is written by Luke Douglas, a fitness and health blogger at Ripped.me. Luke is a great fan of the gym and a healthy diet. He follows the trends in fitness, gym and healthy life and loves to share his knowledge through useful and informative articles. To keep up with Luke, follow his Facebook and Twitter page!
