Whether you’re a seasoned exercise veteran or have recently started a new work-out regimen, sticking to it through the holidays can be difficult if not downright impossible. The holidays are incredibly hectic making exercise and diet slip to the back of the mind. With advanced planning, you can stay on track with your fitness program; here’s how:
Workout Before You Do Anything Else!
As soon as you open your eyes in the morning, roll out of bed, throw your tennis shoes on and start your work out. If you can get your exercising done first thing, there’s less chance of skipping it later in the day. If you aren’t an early bird, make your work-out part of your lunch hour! Even walking briskly around the block or walking up and down a few flights of stairs several times can keep you on track.
Plan Your Workouts In Advance
Chances are you know your work and holiday party schedules well ahead of time. Just like you plan the rest of your life, pencil your work outs into your day book or plug them into your organizer app. If you organize your work out schedule just as you organize the rest of your life, you’re less likely to skip the gym.
Thwart Temptation!
Whether it’s at the office or at your family’s house, you’re bound to be faced with platefuls of goodies. While you don’t have to skip the cookies and cakes all together, eating only one or two is a much better idea. Keep a favorite protein bar in your bag or drink a protein shake before you leave the house. Not only are they better for you, but they’ll also give you a sense of fullness that may help you resist having just one more cookie.
Give Yourself A Day To Cheat
Studies have shown that people who allow themselves a ‘cheat day’ are more apt to stick to a diet and exercise program. Choose a day of the week or certain days during the month and allow yourself to eat how you’d like. Remember, though, that eating what you like doesn’t mean stuffing yourself to bursting! Increasing your insulin sensitivity will also benefit you on these days. 200mcg of Chromium Picolinate and 300mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid will do the trick nicely.
Work Out Extra Hard When You Do Cheat
While you are planning your workouts, plan for a tough one on your cheat days and cheat after you exercise. This will help ensure that most of the excess in nutrients goes toward recovery. In addition, you can look at your cheat meals as a reward for your extra effort!
Sticking to an exercise and diet program can be difficult, especially if you haven’t made it to the point of seeing the results of your efforts. The holidays can make it doubly as difficult. Following these tips will help ensure you don’t fall off of the wagon during the hectic season.
Get all the equipment you will need to get that workout at home over at the BHI Store
Matt Porter has been a personal trainer for over twenty years. He recommends protein powder to all his clients to gain muscle definition and strength.