5 ways to stay active this December without sweating it

The holiday season is magical… but it’s not always conducive to staying motivated to exercise! Between hearty dinners and days that fly by too quickly, our workouts sometimes take a back seat. And that’s perfectly normal! But even if your routine changes, it’s entirely possible to stay active without pressure, and even enjoy it.

1. Exercise in small doses

December often means a shortage of time! In this context, it’s good to remember that short sessions work just fine! Sometimes, when you start a 10- or 15-minute workout, you realize that you have the energy and time to do a longer one, and that’s great! But even if that’s not the case, don’t underestimate the impact of shorter sessions.

Ask your trainer to put together a quick program for you, such as a short circuit to complete at the gym, or do short sessions at home with the Ultime Fit platform. That way, you won’t have any excuses for not finding the time to exercise!

2. Plan proper relaxation days

The holiday season is also a time to rest… even from working out. Rest is an opportunity for the body to recover and allows for progress. These days are therefore just as important as your workout days. Be sure to plan at least 2 to 3 rest days per week. And during these days, remember to recover, take time to sleep more, and recharge your battery… without feeling guilty.

3. Make sporting activities part of your family traditions

Find different opportunities and physical activities to do with the whole family. Whether it’s before sitting down to eat or after a delicious dinner, go for a walk and get some fresh air. Go sledding, take a snowshoe hike in the park, or go ice skating if the weather permits. While these aren’t “official” workouts, they get you moving in different ways and are good for you and are beneficial for both your body and your mind!

4. Focus on overall well-being

Why not take this opportunity to explore activities that soothe both the mind and body? Whether it’s stretching, yoga, or even meditation, these gentler moments force us to slow down. Often, once the session is over, we realize how much good it did and how much we needed a moment of down time. 

5. Be flexible—it’s the holidays, after all!

Don’t aim for perfection, but rather consistency. Set your goal in advance, make sure it’s realistic for this time of year, and commit to sticking to it as best you can. Accept that things won’t always be perfect and that plans may change. Avoid being hard on yourself—you may move less and not necessarily in the way you planned. That’s perfectly fine! Remember that dancing until the wee hours of the morning and playing Twister can also be great ways to be active! 

Wishing you a very happy, relaxing, and fun-filled holiday season!

5 ways to stay active this December without sweating it is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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