Stay on Track While Enjoying the Festive Season:
The festive season is a time for celebration, family, and yes, plenty of delicious food! But it’s also when many of us struggle to maintain consistent training and good nutrition. The good news? With a balanced approach, you can enjoy the holiday season without compromising your fitness goals. Here’s how:
1. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of aiming for perfection, strive for consistency.
- Training: Aim to work out 3–4 times a week, even if it’s just a quick session.
- Nutrition: Focus on portion control and balance, rather than cutting out festive treats entirely.
2. Prioritize Your Workouts
Make training non-negotiable by scheduling it like an appointment:
- Morning sessions: Get your workout done early so you can enjoy the rest of the day guilt-free.
- Home WODs: If you’re traveling, pack resistance bands or a skipping rope and stick to bodyweight exercises like burpees, push-ups, and air squats.
Pro Tip: Think of your workout as a gift to yourself—it boosts energy, burns calories, and combats holiday stress!
Basic training away from the box
3. Enjoy Treats Mindfully
The festive season isn’t the time to completely deprive yourself. Instead:
- Pick your favorites: Indulge in foods you truly enjoy, rather than snacking mindlessly.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day—it helps curb overeating and combats the effects of holiday drinks.
- Protein first: Prioritize protein-rich foods (turkey, seafood, nuts) to stay fuller for longer.
4. Use the 80/20 Rule
Stick to clean eating 80% of the time and allow yourself to indulge the other 20%.
- Fill your plate with veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats during most meals.
- Save room for desserts or festive drinks at special occasions—enjoy them without guilt!
5. Stay Accountable
Lean on your CrossFit community for motivation:
- Join holiday classes: Grab a partner and join us for training. Check out our holiday timetable.
- Share your progress: Post a sweaty selfie after a workout or share your goals with a buddy.
Pro Tip: Make it a family affair—invite loved ones to join you for a holiday WOD or a post-dinner walk.
6. Get Creative with Training
Use the season as inspiration to mix things up:
- Get outside- Beach/Park, etc. Grab a friend or family member to join you.
- Use household items as props—think water jugs as weights or a doorway pull-up bar, rocks, steps, etc. Get creative!!!
7. Prioritize Recovery
The holiday season can be hectic, so recovery is crucial:
- Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours per night to recharge and support muscle repair.
- Active rest: Yoga, stretching, or a casual hike can keep you moving without overtraining.
8. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
One meal won’t derail your progress, and neither will a missed workout. What matters is consistency over time. The festive season is about balance: enjoying the moments that matter while maintaining the healthy habits you’ve built.
Let’s finish the year strong—mentally and physically—so we can hit the ground running in January. Happy holidays, CrossFitters! 🎄🏋️♀️
What’s your go-to holiday workout or treat? Share in the comments below!
