How To Stay In Shape Over The Holidays: Tips From The Synergee Team

Hark the Harold, it’s already December?!

Now that you’re done your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, it’s time to turn your attention to the approaching holiday festivities!

Between Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, New Years, and all the other days worth celebrating in the next month, December is BOUND to knock you off your fitness, nutrition, and sleep schedule.

UNLESS… you plan accordingly 😉

The Synergee Team has some advice to share with you about how they stay feeling fit and healthy during the holiday season!

Beyond providing you awesome equipment, we also want to help you outside of the gym! We want you to come out from the big meals, shopping trips, late nights, and parties feeling like you are still moving forward, rather than starting the new year in a deficit.

We encourage you to embrace the holidays; be fully present in the moments with family, friends, and loved ones; and enjoy the food and festivities.

But in the same breath, we encourage you to strike a balance and make time for things that will make you feel rested, well-digested, level-headed, and – well – healthy!

Let’s see what the Team has to say!

JON – Move every day

Christmas time means it’s time for my favorite workout! The 12 Days of Christmas is my favorite WOD, so I actually get really excited for this time of year to exercise!

Even when things get busy with dinners, buying and wrapping gifts, and getting together with friends and family, I set a time in the morning or afternoon that I will workout, no matter what! Usually, the night before, I figure out what I am doing the next day and plan a time to get my 12 Days of Christmas workout in.

If I move once a day, I feel like I am less stressed during the holidays and have more fun.

KELSEY – Adopt a balanced attitude

When the Holidays approach, the first thing I do is throw away the “all or nothing” mentality. If I know a dinner is happening in the evening, I try to stick to my normal eating and workout schedule in the earlier part of the day.

I don’t get bogged down by the thought that one meal can ruin the whole day or week. I do the best I can when I can and indulge guilt-free when the turkey and eggnog come out!

I enjoy sticking to my regular schedule between the big meals and festivities; and that allows me to enjoy the once-a-year holiday meal with my family and friends even more!

PETER – Spend time moving with family & friends

I make a point of walking my dog, even in the snowy weather. Taking my dog for a walk with friends or family is a great way to spend time together and move. Especially after big meals, I always suggest we go for a walk around the block to see the neighbors’ holiday decorations.

This also helps me digest and get a breath of fresh air after the big meals, rather than sitting around and picking at food until I’m full beyond comfort!

VIKKI – Plan ahead for festivities, rest, & workouts

I have a habit of getting carried away with Christmas shopping and dinners. Sometimes I feel like I’m running on very little steam by the time Christmas comes. Entering the New Year feeling tired and bloated never feels great.

Last year, I came up with a plan that worked really well! I spend every Sunday in December looking at the week ahead and scheduling in times to take care of holiday events, as well as plan for 8 hours of sleep a night and 3-4 workouts a week. I make time for rest and don’t let me FOMO (fear of missing out) keep me from over-indulging to the point of exhaustion!

I also find it is helpful to make lists – of gifts I need to buy, events I have coming up – and then planning what can be done in one day such that it won’t take away from my workout, my sleep, or eating well, too!

CHUNMEI – Keep fast home workouts & healthy snacks on hand

December can be busy! To make it easier to stay on track, I come up with short workouts I can do at home with little equipment. If I have a dinner to go to an hour after I’m done work, I’ll start the day with a quick 10-minute workout or squeeze in a 15-minute Mini Band session between work and the event.

It is easy to get the workouts in if you think of each small bit of time – even 10 or 15 minutes – as a valuable piece that can make you feel better during the holidays.

I also aim to have healthy snacks on hand so when I arrive at dinners I’m not starving, or so I can eat foods that will make me feel full rather than treats that are everywhere. I enjoy the treats when I want to, but plan ahead so I can say no instead of letting my hunger make me say yes! 

May your days be merry, healthy & bright!

Do you have any tips for staying healthy and happy during the busy holiday season? Share below in our comments!

Til then... keep moving, grooving, sleeping, eating, and enjoying the festivities!!