The holidays are known for many things, but a commitment to fitness is not one of them.
With the busy schedules, gatherings, travel and the abundance of tempting treats around, tasks around your health like your diet and exercise routine are often the to-dos that get left off of your list.
So, how do you step it up again after your holiday lull?
Fortunately, it's easier than you might think. Here you'll learn seven things experts recommend you do to get back into your groove after the holiday season hiatus.
1. Forgive Yourself
Rather than beating yourself up for letting your fitness habit slip, instead forgive yourself so that you can move on. Remember, you're not alone. For many people, the busy holiday schedule means that things happen and wellness slips through the cracks. Realize that this is just a small setback and keep trying.
Once you've decided to move on, spend time thinking ahead to what you want to do differently next year. If you plan for potential setbacks ahead of time, you're less likely to repeat the cycle during the next holiday season.
2. Start Small and Mind Your Joints
Getting back into any routine takes some time. If you miss an entire month or two of being active during the holidays, expect that it might take you that long or more to get back to your old program.
To stay motivated, set small fitness and activity goals that you can realistically achieve. Even small victories every week will help keep you focused and confident on your path to success.
Pay close attention to how your body responds to activity and new movements. Remember, a little muscle soreness or fatigue is usually okay. Pain, especially if it's coming from your joints, might be a sign you're trying to go too hard, too fast.
It's always smart to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, and to reach out to experts who specialize in joint health and lifelong mobility if you're experiencing pain.
Connect with our team of experts with questions about any discomfort you experience in your hips, knees, shoulders or bones to learn how we can help.
3. Get Yourself a Virtual Exercise Buddy
Having a workout buddy seems like an obvious recommendation, but experts say its worth entertaining.
Having a workout buddy is a popular strategy that works for several reasons:
- Someone is there to hold you accountable
- It makes exercising more fun
- It provides social and emotional support
- People tend to better maintain focus and reach their goal(s)
To stay safe and socially distanced, set up weekly video workouts or join a community online to share your successes.
4. Make it Fun
When you enjoy an activity, you want to perform it often. Get back into your exercise routine with the physical activities that you enjoy most, whether its weightlifting, cardio or a stretching and toning class online.
Exercise is an opportunity to be a kid again. Think of it as finding your recess and making it fun so that you like doing it.
5. Remember, Fitness is a Lifetime Journey
Don't think of getting back into your workout regimen as a short-term goal. It's a lifelong journey. You're always in the game, and you can win.
6. Quit the Unhealthy Habits
Your body craves what you digest the most. If you are snacking or not eating a healthy diet, take control. Start eating well again, and seek help from a medical professional if you need guidance on developing a healthy eating lifestyle for you.
You already know what foods are good and bad for your body. It's time to take the reins and refocus on nutrition to achieve your fitness goals and optimal health.
7. Remind Yourself Why You're Getting Healthy
Health is what we need to complete our purpose in life. We need it to fulfill what we're intended to do.
Remind yourself of your larger purpose and why it's important for you to regain the health you need to complete it.
Partner with Us for Your Whole-Person Health
If you need help from a physical therapist or orthopedic expert to ease back into your routine, we have experts can help. Reach out to our motivational, compassionate team to learn how we keep you safe in our facilities and get started on your journey.
