Struggling to Workout Over the Holidays? Start Here.
Have you said to yourself, more than once during this time of year, “how do I find time to workout”? You are not alone! Many, many people find that their movement practice falls off track as we head into December. And with January 1st feeling like it is around the corner, it can be easy to throw in the towel when your calendar feels more than full. We often look to the 1st as a reset landmark, but there is more to consider.
This time of year I often encourage folks to think differently about their workout lengths as well as think more creatively about how you can add movement, and I will get to that, but this year feels different. Heavier. More stress. Less time. And as such, I want to encourage your starting point to be a little different.
Ask yourself:
> Why is movement so important to you?
> What reward do you get from your movement practice? Are you working on a goal of increasing your strength which relies on consistent strength training workouts? Is it imperative for your mental health? Do you have a health condition which is made worse by moving less?
The challenge is, movement is optional. That is, it isn’t something like eating where you are going to feel fairly immediate effects if you don’t. Unless we highlight the impact of not moving, and bring to the forefront of our awareness how we feel when we do not move enough, it is easy to let go. If it is something which supports your mental health, helps you manage your stress and positively impacts your physical health, then taking a pass on movement doesn’t feel optional, does it?
Once you have identified why it is so important, the next step is a logistical one, being how to fit in that workout. That takes us back to the beginning of the article.
Some suggestions which help get that workout in this time of year:
make sure you know what you are going to do. That is, are you attending a class, walking with a friend, doing a YouTube workout? Often we look at the first step as making time in your calendar, but what are you making time for? Being specific in what the activity is helps you more efficiently slot it into your calendar. As well, if you are clear on what you are doing, it becomes one less point of friction when it is time to get moving. Without clarity and specificity, bailing on your workout becomes easier.
make it part of the holiday celebrations. Too often, I feel, celebrations are about eating, drinking and sitting. And while that can be good stuff for some get togethers or holidays routines, too much of that is going to make us feel less than energetic.
modify your workouts. Workouts do not have to be a full 60 mins, or even a full 30 mins for that matter. Go back to your ‘why’ and peek at what you need, then try a micro-workout! 10-15 mins of movement to help support your physical and mental health.
I am such a fan of the micro workout idea, that this is the December Fitness On Demand program which will be out on November 30th. Three workouts are included, cardio, strength and stretch helping you cover your bases, and pick and choose depending on what you need/have time for.
Book mark the On Demand page if you want to check that out on Sunday: https://www.deannalangfordcoaching.com/fitnessondemand
And you know I am always cheering you on to find your fit, whether it be with me, a friend or another fitness professional, I am cheering loudly for you to keep moving this season!
Deanna