You’ve almost made it through the entire holiday season-and we now have less than one month to go. How are you feeling about your health and fitness goals at this point?
October 31st – January 2nd are the danger zones in the fitness industry. “It’s when we start to see our clients slipping on their year-long trek toward health and fitness. Is it surprising?”
Not really, because its the “time of year, the holiday season, the stress of Corona Virus, the added Netflix home movies available, the invites from friends & family and the fact that the kids are around you for 2 more weeks makes any parent or anyone that’s been training for a year seem to fall short or fall apart with consistency during December.
While many will find it difficult to stick completely to their health and fitness plan through the end of the year, there are some ways we would like to share with you to maintain and not gain during December. The first thing we want you to know is that health and fitness is not a short-term goal; rather a long term, lifetime one. That being said, even if you are doing a minimal amount of exercise, you should do your best not to stop altogether. You don’t want to undo everything you have worked for all year. It’s not a race, so please take your time, don’t overwhelm yourself, and Just Show Up!
Here are 5 Tips To Maintain and not Gain extra weight during December and not skip exercise sessions:
1- Invite a friend, co-worker, spouse, or another family member to become your accountability buddy. If you’re feeling particularly weak, give them a shout and they can keep you on track – encourage you to make a healthy choice in food or to meet them at the gym for a quick workout. If you know that someone is counting on you to do the same, it makes it easier for both of you to stay on your journey together.
2- Keep track of what you’re eating by using an app like “Lose It” or keeping another type of food journal old school pen and paper. If you chronicle what you are eating, you are less likely to “cheat” on your nutrition plan. It keeps you accountable to yourself – there’s that word again! Its not that hard…We often overcomplicate things, but seeing what your eating or lack of eating always paints a better picture than saying, “Eating Clean Is Hard Work and Takes hours of planning?”
3- You can also keep track of your measurements at the beginning and throughout the month. If you know where you started, you’ll be able to stay on track (maintain and not gain) in December. That’s our ultimate goal…getting through the holidays without a major setback on our path to health and fitness. If your belt buckle is getting tighter…guess what you’re not moving enough or eating too much!
4- Make a bet with someone you trust to keep you financially accountable! There’s no better way to motivate you than the fear of having to pay someone a penalty! I know call me crazy but I’ve done this many times before even hired coaches to keep me accountable. It feels even better when you win and keep winning bets you make with those people who sometimes make with you.
5-Focus on just “Showing Up”. You’re not always going to hit home runs, you’re not always going to keep dropping body-fat each week, building lean muscle, and losing inches off your waist. But just showing up to do the work is sometimes more important because just showing up means you mentally won the game and that’s the biggest thing. Winning the mental game we play with ourselves daily. Just showing up means you’re keeping a promise to yourself which means you constantly believe in yourself and keep improving your confidence level little by little each day.
As you go through this last month of the year, please know that we are here to help you with any questions you may have about fitness and nutrition. We want you to succeed on your journey and we want to help.
Have an amazing Tuesday and remember,
Happiness is A Decision! Now make that decision today!
