Training at Christmas: Should You Do It?
The Christmas season is filled with festivities, food, and family, but what about your training routine? As the end of the year approaches, many wonder if they should keep their fitness momentum chugging along or pause their workouts entirely. It's easy to get caught up in the busy schedules of the holidays and lose focus, but sacrificing your fitness goals can set you back on your journey. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of training through Christmas so that you can make an informed decision about your exercise routine.
1. Keep Consistency:
Consistency is essential when it comes to achieving long-term fitness goals. If you take an extended break from your training, getting back on track can be challenging and demotivating. Christmas is no different, and staying active during this period ensures that you keep your fitness regimen on track. You tried so hard throughout the year to maintain your routine, why let a few festive days break your determination?
2. Adjust Intensity when training at Christmas:
Excess guest visits, travel, and extra cooking can absorb some of your time during the holiday season. It's OK to lower the intensity and duration of your training to accommodate these events. Shorter routines still provide benefits to your body, including improved mood control, cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and muscular endurance. Incorporating other activities like hiking, ice skating, and dancing guaranteed to get your heart racing and your body moving.
3. Our Body Benefits From Exercise:
Our bodies benefit from training beyond weight loss. Regular exercise is vital to our well-being, mental health, and stress management. The holiday season can be stressful for some individuals, and it's critical to keep training as a part of your routine to regulate your stress levels effectively, improve your sleeping cycle, and release endorphins that make you happy. Why exchange these benefits for quick pleasure and go off-track?
4. Time with Family:
It's essential to spend time with family during Christmas, but that doesn't mean it has to be only eating and drinking. There are numerous ways to bring your family in on exercising with you too. You can go on family walks, indoor cycle rides, hikes, swimming, or even create a family workout challenge. These will not only keep you engaged; it could lead to forming other family health and wellness traditions.
5. Rest and Recover:
Sleeping late, eating leftovers, and being in the comfort of those we love are a few of the things that sum up Christmas. Although everyone will understand that you might want to keep up with your training, it's important to not miss out on some valuable rest time too. Use this relaxing period to recover and rejuvenate for the upcoming year, ensuring your body receives the TLC it deserves.
Conclusion:
Training at Christmas is a personal choice and depends on your fitness goals and routine. Although it may seem easy to let go of your fitness routine during the Christmas holiday season, the benefits of exercising go beyond physical appearance. We suggest you remain active but also recognize that it's okay to adjust intensity, so you don't risk burnout or stress. Have the courage to discover other ways to incorporate your family members in your exercise routine while spending time with them too! This way, you can wrap up the year feeling accomplished, happy, and ready for the new year's new challenges. Merry Christmas, and Happy Training!
