LIFESTYLE

How to maintain your workout routine during the holidays

17 November, 2023 / words by Imane Dodo

Christmas holidays are coming up and we know how quickly all the hard work you have put in for the year can go away if you are not intentional. Saving all your fitness achievements and your routine does not have to be a nightmare. At the end of the day, you are on holiday to enjoy, and rest is equally as important to win holistically.

Fitting a workout into your everyday schedule on holiday can be challenging when all you want to do is rest, enjoy time with your loved ones and eat good food. The key is to prioritize workouts that fit well into your schedule and activities, like walking, cycling, surfing or swimming (you can fit in a couple laps or squats in between your naps by the pool).

That way, you can kill many birds with one stone by burning calories and getting those endorphins while sightseeing. Ladies, you will be surprised how much of a difference these can make by the end of the trip. Plus you get to enjoy other parts of the holiday guilt free.

You truly deserve all the best food and drinks as a reward for the hard work but we all know that overdoing it can really set you back in terms of the results you have worked so hard to achieve. Overdoing it also makes it harder to get back to a good routine post holiday. It is critical to find a balance between eating out and drinking moderately. Pick your source of enjoyment and keep a balance in other areas.

If you really enjoy your cocktails by the beach, ensure that your meals are on the healthier side or portions are more controlled. If you are a dessert queen, pick mains that have a bit more veggies and protein so your meal overall is balanced.

If you know you want to be eating out every evening, pick healthier breakfast or lunch options. Those that still want to fit a regular workout in can do so with a little bit of planning and strategizing. Focus on short full body workouts that require minimal equipment and help you work many body parts at once. Checkout our list of portable fitness items here you should carry on all trips.

Last, keep all the fundamentals, including sleep and hydration in check during your break. These will not make a huge difference in your overall fitness in the few days while you are on holiday but it will set you up for success when you are back home.

We are all in for balance, because life is frankly too short. I do not believe in dieting on holiday (and at all in life) but I believe in understanding your body, your habits and being (brutally) honest to yourself about your fitness goals.

At the end of the day, holidays are only a few weeks in the year and it is your time to enjoy a break so be kind to yourself, celebrate small wins and set a low bar that is reachable without too much hassle and stress.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Imane Dodo

@AUTHOR HANDLE

Beauty, Lifestyle, Fitness, Fashion & All Of Your Interior Needs. Curated by experts, sent to you Bi-weekly.

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