Staying In Shape During The Holidays

Staying in shape at any point of the year can be a challenge, but it is even more challenging during the holidays. It can seem impossible to squeeze in a workout between family events, last-minute shopping trips, and holiday decorating. However, staying active and in shape during the holidays is essential. If you’re struggling to find the balance between holiday fun and fitness, our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy is here to help! Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve your fitness goals. Continue reading below to learn more about the importance of staying in shape during the holidays. 

Staying in Shape During the Holidays

The holiday season is known as the time of year when healthy habits tend to slide off track. With the cold weather keeping us inside and making us sluggish and the endless parade of holiday parties, who wants to trek to the gym? While many individuals who indulge during the holidays can refocus after the season, some struggle to regain the fitness ground they lost or drop the added pounds. It’s essential to incorporate some activity into your holiday schedule. Even if you need to adjust your workout routine, maintaining the momentum of your exercise routine is easier than trying to re-establish it later. Here are some of the reasons why it’s crucial to stay in shape during the holiday season:

• Stress – Managing finances, shopping, decorating, and frequent visitors lead to increased stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce feelings of stress and improve your mood. 
• Holiday Weight Gain – It’s not uncommon to gain a few extra pounds during the holiday with all of the delicious meals to be had. Exercise can help you combat holiday weight gain by burning calories and maintaining muscle mass, which helps sustain your metabolic rate. 
• Structure – Maintaining your fitness routine provides structure to your days and having a set routine will help you stay on track and prioritize the season’s demands. 
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – The winter season chips away at daylight hours. For many individuals, this can lead to varying degrees of seasonal depression. Staying active can help reduce symptoms of SAD and elevate your mood. Exercising outdoors during the day can get your heart pumping and increase your sunlight exposure. 

If you fall off track during the season, you shouldn’t give up. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals. We’ll help you set up a realistic, holiday-friendly schedule to keep you on track. 

Tips for Staying in Shape Over the Holidays

It’s possible to stay healthy and fit over the holidays without missing out on the fun. Stay on track this season with these tips:

• Prioritize fitness – While holiday activities are enjoyable, they can take up a bit of time. This can make running errands even more challenging than before. Prioritize your fitness this season and plan your schedule to fit in workouts. 
• Set realistic goals – Setting realistic fitness goals this season will help you stay motivated and give you the confidence you need to accomplish them. 
• Find a workout buddy – Finding like-minded individuals to spend time with can be a game-changer. A workout buddy can check in with you, hold you accountable, and motivate you to stay fit. 
• Stay hydrated – With so many delicious food and drink options this time of year, it’s easy to fill up on sugary beverages or alcohol instead of water. Staying hydrated will keep your mind and body fresh and energized every day. 

Contact Us

A significant component of staying fit involves avoiding stress and relaxing, making the holiday season the perfect time to engage in workouts. It’s essential to prioritize your health this season, but you should still enjoy the activities the holiday season has to offer. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team is here to help you find the right balance to maintain your fitness goals and have an enjoyable holiday. Be sure to contact us today to learn more about how we can help!