5 Ways to Implement Workouts During Festive Season

The festive season is a time of family, friends, relaxation, food, drinks and laughter. Families come together and we socialize the best we know how, with indulgent food meals. This time of the year sadly also means that your “body goals” are under serious threat.

As a result, it can be extremely hard to prioritise staying active, especially when you’re juggling a buzzing social calendar with shopping and attending festive meet-ups.

Combine this with the excessive consumption of takeaways, braai and champopo (champagne) or your “bev” of choice and you may notice your exercise routine dropping, but it’s still possible to enjoy Christmas while staying active.

gsport writer Lonwabo Nkohla collaborated with a certified personal trainer Nerisha Monama (@squatnery on Instagram) to share tips on how to incorporate working out during this festive season break.

1.Join an online exercise group or get yourself an online personal trainer that will hold you accountable

With online workouts, you don’t need to worry about leaving your home, which means you can be more flexible with your time.

2.Workout in the morning before the day gets busy

Training in the morning is the best time of the day to train because it is your best chance of making sure you actually do it. There is less chance of ‘things’ getting in the way and de-railing your workout as compared to exercising during the day, at work, or at night.

3.Get the family involved

You can have exercise challenges daily and have prizes for the winners. Enjoy the great outdoors! Schedule a time each day for an outdoor activity with your children. Hike a local nature trail or ride a bicycle path.

Schedule family playtime. Take a walk or play a family game of tag after dinner each night. Choose activities that require movement, such as bowling, catch or miniature golf.

Choose toys wisely. Give children toys that encourage physical activity, such as balls, kites, skateboards and jump ropes.

4.Don’t overdo it

While a good fitness regime will help you stay on track during the festive season, the best way to stay in shape is to combine regular exercise with a balanced diet. The festive season would be nothing without a few delicious indulgences, but be sure to also incorporate plenty of vitamins and nutrients into your festive meals. Load up on leafy greens like Brussels sprouts, cabbage and other winter veg; the nutrients will give you a healthy festive glow and help replenish energy levels, so you can keep going throughout party season.

5.SHOP TILL YOU DROP!!!

Let’s not forget that behind the frenzy and fun that is shopping, this task is, in fact, quite the workout! Pushing the trolley, carrying heavy bags, walking up and down the aisles – these are all commonly overlooked ways to get the heart rate up, without even noticing!

Did you know 5 minutes of casual stairs is equal to about 20 minutes of regular cardio exercise in the gym? So go and spread the word this festive season, shopping for presents is, in fact, a fabulous form of exercise!