Fall Into a Routine: Resolve to stay fit despite the holidays

As the weather changes, obligations pile up, and before you know it your fitness aspirations have fallen to pieces—much like snowflakes falling from the sky!

Since the holiday season can throw so many curve balls—like good ol’ Wyoming weather, cheese, popcorn, pie, parties, you name it—at your exercise routine, take some time to be prepared to manage your health intentionally and with more purpose than you would the rest of the year. Check out these six tips to help you arrive on January 31 with your health intact and ready to take on the rest of the year!

Make a Plan: Each week, plan out when you will squeeze in your activity, remembering that every little bit counts, (even if it’s just 10 minutes). Choose the days and time of day that will work best for you, and make them a priority. To help make it happen, try scheduling your workout sessions into your calendar, just like you would your dental visits or meetings, and don’t skip out. A good workout is vital to both your physical and mental wellbeing, and just as essential as other obligations.

Consider Starting Earlier: Think about the best time of the day to exercise for you. If you are a morning person, go first thing in the day and get it done. You can even sleep in all, or some of your workout clothes. All you will need are your shoes when your feet hit the floor, and you will be on your way out the door. Not a morning person? Consider heading to work a bit earlier so that you can go exercise on your lunch or directly after work. Set yourself up for success by scheduling the best time possible for activity.

Commit to a Class or a Gym: Financial obligations can often be very motivational, especially during the holiday season when your money needs to go just a bit farther. If you pay in advance for a gym membership or that class that you want to try, you will be more likely to attend and stick with it! This time of year, you can often join an accountability group—look for a “maintain, don’t gain” themed program that is aimed at maintaining your healthy habits over an eight- to 12-week period.

Pack Ahead: Have a gym bag packed and ready to go. If you have everything you need in a bag, you will eliminate excuses and barriers to activity. You will also find that if you don’t head home, you won’t be tempted to stay there and hibernate through the coldest days of the year. If you aren’t feeling like working out, or are even under the weather, remember that every move counts. Odds are good that once you start moving, you will begin to feel better. Gentle activity is always reasonable! Yoga is much friendlier to a cold than running or intense cardio.

Dress for Success: Make sure you have the proper clothing. It doesn’t make sense to go bowling in high heels, and going to the gym without the right gear isn’t all that smart either. Be sure you have shoes that fit well and support the activity you enjoy doing. Your back, and feet especially will thank you later. Your fitness clothing should be comfortable and allow you to maintain a reasonable temperature. You don’t need to spend a lot on great gear. In our area, Walmart has a large selection. We all know blisters and legs rubbed raw are a large speed bump on the road to fitness success.

Use Technology: To stay on track, use the technology you already have available. Set reminders on your phone or in your calendar that will send you on your way to your workout. These reminders can even prompt you to get up and move more often though the day. Try out some fitness tracker software (that is likely already installed) on your phone or tablet—such as nikefit, SHealth, or MyFitnessPal. Link the software to your Fitbit or other device and allow the accountability to begin! If you don’t have a tracking device, consider purchasing one. Refurbished or used options are sometimes a cheap way to get one for yourself. Often, “seeing is believing” and using fitness trackers can encourage you to work out regularly and also feel obligated to maintain your healthy, reasonable nutrition. What better time than the holidays to be accountable?

Have Questions?

Campbell County Health Wellness works to reduce health risks and promote overall wellness among employee groups and individuals across the northeastern Wyoming region. To learn more about Wellness, please visit www.cchwyo.org/Wellness or call 307.688.8051.

This blog was written by Rachel Wilde CPT, MA, CCH Wellness Services Technician and Phlebotomist