The holidays are notorious for derailing our health and fitness goals. Sleep-in mornings, lack of exercise, and tons of comfort food are the quickest ways for us to fall off the wagon and uproot our usual routine. But there are ways to still enjoy summer and all its festivities without going too far off track. Try to fit these habits into your busy social calendar to ensure you keep moving your goals forward.
Be mindful of what you take in
No one wants to bother with dirty dishes and cooking while on holiday. It’s much easier to order takeout or meet up with friends at a restaurant. And that’s totally fine, as long as you stay mindful of what you eat and drink. Try avoiding deep-fried and super-sugary snacks and incorporate real, whole foods on your plate where you can. Alcohol is another huge contributor to overindulging. Once it starts flowing, it becomes so much harder to avoid temptations. Sip on plenty of water at social events and parties in between glasses of bubbly to fill yourself up and stay hydrated.
Try fun activities
If like many South Africans you plan on travelling this holiday, look for fun outdoor activities at or near the resort you plan on staying at. There might be scenic hiking trails, mountain climbing routes, water sports, or horse riding available to help you stay active and away from the buffet. Hit the pool, and don’t be afraid to show off your moves on the dance floor – there’s always an opportunity somewhere to get that heart pumping and limbs moving.
Balance activity and rest
There’s no reason for you to start the new year even more tired than before the holidays. That’s why keeping an eye on the number of hours you rest is so important. While sleeping for eight hours isn’t always possible with a busy social schedule, aim for close to the number of hours you normally would sleep. This may require you to skip out on some of the fun, but physical and mental health should remain a priority, even on holiday.
Exercise at home
Your muscles and waistline will thank you! Because the holidays are mainly a time to relax, it’s understandable that some days you won’t want to leave the house at all. So how do you still get your exercise in? It’s as simple as renting exercise equipment and setting it up anywhere in your home for you and the family to enjoy.
Striide offers gym equipment rentals that cater to your vacations, staycations, and remote-workout needs which means greater versatility, flexibility, and functionality – on your terms. The best part is the budget-friendly pricing structure starting at R599 per month, so there’s no trade-off between expensive exercise equipment and your mental and physical health. But if you want, there is an outright purchase option. You can confidently take life – and the festive season – in your Striide with a fitness routine that fits your lifestyle.
Enlist a partner in crime
The best way to ensure you stick to your health and fitness goals is to tell someone about them. Choose a friend, partner, or someone you’re close with and share your journey. They’ll help motivate you to push through on the days when you’d rather throw in the towel. Even better, get your loved one involved and train together to double the fun and accountability. A little bit of healthy competition could be just what you need to succeed.
With vacations and staycations, long days and short nights, good food and even better company, it can be tempting to throw caution to the wind and forget about your health and fitness this festive season. However, it’s possible to still keep your goals in check and make memories that will last a lifetime. It all comes down to determination and not swerving too far from your everyday routine. Make this a summer to remember and a time you won’t regret come January.
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