05 Dec Five ways to sneak exercise into the Festive Season

The festive season is where fitness routines go to die. Sneaky drinks after work, Christmas parties, relatives visiting and stacks of incredible food. We get it! It’s easy to give in to the “festive blowout” and just stop exercising all together. But you shouldn’t! If you’re already thinking of retiring your sneakers until January 1st, read on.

With the inevitable increase in calorie consumption over the festive season, finding time to work out is more important than ever. It will keep away those dreaded “Christmas kilos” and help to manage your holiday stress levels (relatives, am I right?!).

If you’re struggling to stay motivated, we’ve got you covered.

Five easy ways to sneak exercise into your festive season:

1. Work out in the morning.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but simply switching your workouts to the morning can save your routine this Christmas. Things pop-up in the evening, especially at this time of year. 5pm work drinks, festive dinners… They all get in the way of your exercise regime. Plan ahead! Do your exercise first thing in the morning when you’re less likely to be led astray!

2. Hit the shops.

Walking is great for your health! Swap out online shopping for the real deal… Sure, braving the shops at this time of year can be scary, but all those extra steps can add up quickly!

3. Move at Work.

Make the most of your time at work by adding exercise into your routine. Park further away from your office, take the stairs, take a walk at lunchtime or even squeeze in a mini-desk-workout. It’s surprising what a few squats every hour can do for your health!

4. Up the Intensity.

You might not have time to spend an hour at the gym, but short, high intensity workouts can be even more effective. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) triggers the after-burn effect, known as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption or “EPOC”, and for this reason it’s much more effective at burning calories than your steady state or regular aerobic exercise. Try HIIT-style workouts to get the most bang for your buck.

5. Grab a mate.

Part of what makes the festive season so wonderful is catching up with friends and family. So why not recruit a workout buddy? Not only are you more likely to stick to your routine if you exercise with someone else, but it’ll also make it more fun.

If you need some help getting motivated this Christmas, chat to an expert. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist can help you to exercise right, regardless of your health status or level of experience. To find one near you, click here.