Here's Why You Need to Start a Fitness Routine BEFORE the Holidays!

Get into the swing of a program NOW and you’ll be more likely to follow through when the New Year comes!

The number one reason that weight loss-related “New Years’ Resolutions” fail is because we don’t set ourselves up for success. After we’ve already “blown it” with excess eating and drinking, and sleeping instead of working it off over the holidays, we approach fitness-related resolutions with a negative mindset. We HAVE to lose the weight because now we feel awful about ourselves and our choices. It feels like a burden and punishment for NOT having a plan to get through the family get-togethers and holiday goodies. Holiday weight gain happens fast, and making time for exercise is the last thing on our minds.

Here are some tips to staying on target and have a plan when chances are that schedules will already be packed to the brim with extra work, social commitments, and other responsibilities during this festive time!

1. Hire a Virtual Trainer/Join an Accountability Group (Psst, Join Our Dec. 3rd Group!)
When you hire a trainer, you have an appointment that you need to show up to and you can do in the comfort of your own home gym space with minimal equipment. This gives you accountability and helps get rid of the temptation to “skip the gym, just today” or “make up for it later”. Your trainer will also be able to keep track of your progress, push you to do a little extra work, empower you to perform each move properly and inspire you. Plus, it gives you a little alone time—which is yours to claim—and some time to re-center and de-stress. Everyone needs that during the holidays!

2. Keep Moving
Staying busy during the holidays can be a great thing instead of a source of stress. Think of the extra opportunities we have to walk, use that PTO to spend the day with the kids playing outside in the snow! Having house guests can mean that you’ve had to run the vacuum a few extra times—schedule a cleaning day and work some lunges into your floor mopping :).

3. Be the Man/Woman with a Plan
Remember, there is always time and the chance to catch a workout! It’s up to you to find it/make it, and stick to it. Don’t let yourself down. Set a great example for those around you with your rock-solid resolve!

4. Get Rid of the “All or Nothing” Mindset
It won’t serve you to not allow yourself a little grace around this time of year. It’s important to have some enjoyment of “treats” if you deserve them, and relax a little. If you don’t overdo it, you won’t feel bad :). In fact, you’ll probably feel energized and refreshed when you enjoy moderation while making sure you are still getting your micronutrition from fruits and veggies and adequate amounts of protein!

5. Indulge for a Meal, Not the Whole Season
Remember, it’s a single day! Dessert and mashed potatoes can’t possibly ruin what you’ve achieved so far with your routine if you stay in it. Use that food as fuel for a few extra reps or minutes on the treadmill your next exercise session.

Sound like A PLAN? Get in on FitOasis’s, 6-week, holiday accountability group while you can—it starts in just a few days, December 3rd! Click here for the details and registration.