The holidays are upon us and if you’re anything like us, you know how tempting it can be with cookies and holiday drinks circling everywhere on sparkling platters. Don’t worry, with a little effort you can maintain your workout regime and keep some of those calories at bay this holiday season.
Here are a few easy ways to stick to your fitness goals:
Get active in the airport
It’s easy to slouch into the first chair at your gate and stare aimlessly while you wait for your flight. While you have some time, why not get up and get moving with these airport-friendly exercises:
- Wall-squats: stand with your back against the wall, squat to a 45-degree angle, and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
- Lunges: Start at one end of the gate and lunge to the other. Repeat 3 times. (If you’re too shy to lunge across people and their luggage, you can do this same exercise standing in place. 10 lunges on each side, repeat 3 times.
- Active walk: And if you’re completely not into a public exercise spectacle, there’s no better way to get the blood pumping like a brisk walk. The airport is full of things to see and long corridors to explore. If you have a delay or a layover, store your luggage in a nearby locker, lace up your sneakers and start walking.
Don’t forget to stretch! The only thing worse than a long flight with nowhere to move, is a long flight with no legroom. Before you board, stretch out to get the blood moving around and keep your muscles from tightening up on the plane. Check out Aly’s recommendations for Essential Everyday Stretches.
Schedule 30 minutes of “Me” time each day
Whether you’re visiting family or friends, finding time for yourself can become increasingly difficult. Thirty minutes a day is all you need to get your blood pumping and keep your exercise routine in check. It might be the only time you get by yourself that day, so put it to good use. Go for a 30 minute run, work your core on the living room floor, or find a nearby yoga studio or spin studio (we won’t mind) you can visit. Just 30 minutes will get you the exercise – and the mental therapy – you need to conquer the day’s temptations, and keep you aligned with your current workout routine.
Get back into the game
The best thing you can do after the holidays (or during, if you can) is commit to your routine. Plan your fitness schedule in advance every week so it’s part of your calendar. Helpful tip: B/SPOKE schedules go LIVE every Sunday at 5pm for the following week, so you can book your spin classes in advance.
Put the traditional eggnog and gingerbread cookies aside and opt for some healthy slow cooker recipes. If you got a new fitness tracker for Christmas, there’s no better time to try it out than in your favorite spin class.
