Whether you want to admit it or not, you probably indulged a lot this holiday season, just like everyone else. That’s perfectly fine, but now you might be worried about getting back in shape. Let me help you kick off a fun and forgiving post-holiday workout routine that will get you on the road to a fitter, better you.
Start slowly. Don’t try to do too much on day one. Ease back into your fitness routine gradually. Focus on forming the habit first instead of going all out. Start by being mindful of what you eat and include some simple movements like stretching to get you started.
Go for longer walks. If you want to do more than just stretching, consider taking longer walks around your home or neighborhood. If there’s a nearby park, that’s even better since you’ll get some fresh air while you walk. Just make sure to wear a good face mask due to the ongoing presence of the Coronavirus.
Do some yoga exercises. Yoga is great for everyone, no matter their age or fitness level. It offers a range of exercises that are both beginner-friendly and challenging for the more experienced. Plus, it’s an excellent way to balance both your body and mind.
Engage your entire body with short but effective HIIT workouts. Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to add high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to your routine. HIIT workouts are whole-body exercises that can give you a great workout in a short amount of time. You can get a serious sweat on in just 30 minutes without needing to go to the gym. This is perfect for tackling that holiday weight you might have put on.
Make time for bodyweight exercises. If you’re short on time, bodyweight exercises are a great option. Spend at least 5 minutes doing squats, push-ups, pull-ups, or planks. Even a small effort will make you 1% better than the day before. Every positive effort counts, just as every bad habit can hinder your progress.
If you have the equipment, do some strength training routines. If you’re lucky enough to have some strength training equipment at home, give strength training exercises a try to burn calories regularly. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s not impossible to get there.
Practice your favorite sport with a partner or friend. Exercise is always more fun with a partner. Playing sports like volleyball, tennis, or badminton with a friend can make the workout feel less like a chore and more like fun. You could even start a neighborhood competition to get everyone involved and active.
Working out shouldn’t feel like a burden. It should be something enjoyable that keeps you in shape. However, remember that if you continue with holiday eating habits, no amount of exercise will outdo the extra calories. Focus on forming healthy habits and enjoy the journey to a fitter you.