agardner
Monday, December 26, 2016 - 18:13
It’s the most wonderful time of year, at least that’s what the songs and movies keep telling us. Don’t trade your fitness motivation for Christmas spirit this year. This is the most wonderful time of year to keep your progress and challenge yourself to make it through the holidays with your healthy lifestyle intact!

It’s a Wonderful Workout
Instead of enjoying your Christmas spirit with eggnog, cookies, and watching Christmas movies, try combining your Christmas spirit with the endorphin rush of a good workout with the “It’s a Wonderful Life” workout. Get your cardio fix with intervals on the treadmill, chasing the feeling George Bailey had on Christmas morning when he had found his purpose again, and then jump into the pool to celebrate George saving Clarence. Replaying the classic movie in your head while swimming laps is entirely optional.

Miracle at FitClub
Perhaps the greatest Christmas miracle of all is surviving the busy holiday season with your sanity intact. Make a priority of your mental health, as well as your physical health, this holiday season by learning to meditate at one of FitClub’s meditation classes or challenge yourself to try yoga. You’ll thank yourself for the miracle of a stress-free Christmas when the family arrives and the house is covered in unwrapped toys!

The Treadmill Express
The treadmill not only provides a physical challenge, but can also be mentally challenging. Enjoy a little Christmas spirit while you make your way through your weekly long run on the treadmill. Find a Christmas movie on TV, plug your headphones in and lose yourself in the magic of a classic Christmas tale while you get your run done inside. If you’re in need of a break to catch your breath, try to wait until the next round of commercials and slow your pace to a walk until the movie resumes. Just knowing that a break is ahead will make your run feel easier and the commercials more endurable.

Silver (Kettle)bells
‘Tis the Season for chasing away the Christmas cookie calories. Kettlebells are an effective, high intensity workout that burn a lot of calories very quickly. If you’ve never used the kettlebells before, start with a low weight and watch your form. Try kettlebell swings to get your heart rate up and crush the calories as you tone up from head to toe.

Ghosts of Fitness Past
Maybe you have visions of a fitter past-self dancing in your head instead of sugar plum fairies. Let those ghosts of fitness past motivate to be your best self as we prepare to celebrate the New Year. It’s never too late to start getting back in shape, and it’s never too early to start working on those New Year’s Resolutions.

How do you keep your fitness priorities during the busy holiday season? Share with your fellow FitClub members in the comments and motivate each other this holiday season!