Guest blog Australian Insitiute of Fitness :: Michelle Bridges
Let’s be honest, December can often be the month where our fitness and health regimes tend to be pushed back, while we enjoy all of the Christmas and New Year engagements. And there is nothing wrong with enjoying these, and celebrating the year that was with friends, family and work colleagues. The trick is, finding the right balance! So, we spoke to Australian Institute of Fitness graduate and Ambassador, Michelle Bridges, to find out her top five tips to surviving the festive season without blowing out on our training.
1. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
You know that coming into the Christmas season there are going to be a heap of what I call ‘red flag’ situations. Christmas drinks with various friends, Christmas lunches and canapes and the like can quickly become more frequent, and before you know it, you have eaten out five nights in one week.
So, what can you do? EASY! Make a list of all the social events you have coming up, and plan which ones you are going to go to, and of those, which ones are you going to indulge at, and which ones you won’t. Plan these into your schedule, and around them, plan your food and training. For example, if you know that your Friday night drinks are going to include Christmas canapes as well, then ditch your snacks for the day, and use those calories towards your canapes.
2. CHOOSE WHICH CHRISTMAS PARTIES TO GO TO
As fun as it can be seeing your colleagues out of the office, and in a social setting, just because you’re invited doesn’t mean you have to go, be strategic! If your health and fitness goals are important to you, selecting the ‘top’ Christmas parties to attend will not only ensure you are spending probably the busiest month of the year with the best company, but it will also minimise unnecessary calorie consumption and hangovers – WIN WIN!
3. SCHEDULE YOUR REST DAYS AROUND CHRISTMAS EVENTS
There is no doubt attending a Christmas function may result in a somewhat, unproductive day thereafter, so don’t schedule your HIIT, or cardio session after an event. If you know you have a party in the evening, get your training done that day, and use the day after your party as your rest day. That way, you can have that extra long sleep in, guilt free!
4. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Across the Christmas period, there is often an increase in alcohol so you need to balance it with an increase in water accordingly. Setting yourself a daily goal, and having a more proactive and focused approach to drinking will help. Drinking water in between those alcoholic beverages while at a Christmas Party will make the day after a lot more pleasant too.
5. BOOK IN YOUR WORKOUT SESSIONS
When you are strapped for time because of all your social engagements, keep your workout sessions short and sharp. That way there are no excuses for fitting them in, and you still get to socialise, while not blowing out on your training schedule, nor clothing sizes!
