We are 3 weeks out from Christmas! Time is flying, y’all!
I am looking at my to do list, which is approximately 347 bullet points long 😆
Yours might be similar. How do you progress your fitness, and not just hang on, but actually keep making progress, during this time? I’ll show you how I do it in 5 steps, and maybe it can help you this season.
The first thing you’re going to do is take a few minutes, look ahead at your schedule and make you a little plan.
Nobody knows you better than you, so make an honest assessment of how you will approach your workouts and food this December. (I’ll walk you through how.)
Then with the weight of that decision already off your plate, go ahead with your holidays and have fun!
Here’s a process that has worked for my clients and I. Give it a try! If it doesn’t work for you, no biggie. But, it might give you a different perspective.
1. Look at The Next Two Weeks, Now til December 12
I’m a big fan of looking at your calendar in smaller chunks of time, and making a plan from there.
For example, don’t try to commit to a 6 week plan if you know it calls for 4 gym sessions a week during a time you know you won’t have gym access.
So look at the next two weeks. Between now and December 12, will you be home? Will your routine be relatively the same? If not, pick a natural chunk of time that you’ll have a schedule you can work with.
2. Pick How Many Days You Can Train
Now that you’ve identified the next normal chunk of time, decide how many days you can train during that time.
Two days, three? It’s fine if it’s less than normal. Commit to that.
3. Pick a Training Program
This can be your regular program that you like that is familiar, comfortable, and takes no more mental effort. Or you might love the distraction of a new program.
Also, if you are adjusting how many days you normally train, you’ll need to take that into account also.
4. Fill Your Diet With the Healthy Things
Make sure you get enough protein, fruits, vegetables, and water. When you’re getting enough of all the good and healthy things, then you can splurge a little bit on the extras.
If you’re getting enough of the good things, you won’t have as much room to splurge like crazy. You’ll also find that if you’re not starving and fighting cravings, you don’t want the junk as much.
If you’ve been around me on holidays, and you’ve probably already heard me say – but I will remind you – that when you are well fed, you get great workouts.
Having a change of pace for a week, being in a caloric surplus, and really working hard is great for your body to do every now and then. Take advantage of it and run with the extra energy that you have.
Run literally or metaphorically, up to you. 😉
5. Enjoy the Time Off!
When you look at your calendar for this little chunk of time, factor in when you will take off. And then, do that guilt free.
Bookmark that time to enjoy your holiday, enjoy some extra foods and drinks, and enjoy being around those you love. Please do not feel guilty about missing a workout. That was the plan, remember?
I am a personal trainer, so I’m gonna remind you also that it is personal! If you love lifting and it is a healthy break time to get your training in, then continue to do so on your holidays.
Ultimately my goal for you is to look ahead, make a plan that you know works for you. You know yourself best? Make your plan, stick to it, And enjoy all the time, sweet things, and people you love. XOXO
Let me know if I can help!
Sidenote, if you’re looking for stocking stuffers for your gym friend, check these out.
Work With Me!
If you are looking for a personal trainer in Austin, I’d love to talk with you! If you are not in Austin, Round Rock, or central Texas, let’s talk about online training.
Message me here for a free consult about personal training in Austin, Texas, or here for online personal training, and we’ll discuss your goals, background, equipment availability, schedule, and exercise preferences.
Let’s get you strong and healthy! 💪
About the author
Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.
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