Don’t give up on your fitness goals after a long break or holiday. Here are some tips to help you bounce back.
Many people give up trying to stay fit after a long holiday because they feel bad after straying away. Spare yourself the pity party and push yourself to get back into your routine.
Trendy diets don’t work (not in the long run anyway), and throwing yourself into an intense workout class every single day will make you burn out. Instead of panicking and trying to get fit at the last minute when the next holiday season approaches, start now – after all, consistency is key.
(Also read: 10 Tips To Getting Your Exercise Routine Back On Track After A Break)
Don’t beat yourself up
Guilt might start creeping up on you, but you should turn it away because it’s completely normal to steer away from your fitness routine and healthy habits sometimes. No thanks to family gatherings, parties and what have you.
Wallowing in shame will only push your fitness goals even further away. Instead, get your gear and prepare to attack your goals head on.
(Also read: 6 Healthier Picks for Guilt-Free Snacking this Festive Season)
Eat balanced and nutritious meals
No matter how healthy you try to be, holidays are always opportunities for snacking and feasting. And that’s okay. Totally restrictive diets have been proven to be less effective than balanced ones because you go on a mad binge when you have a cheat meal.
Just because you ate badly during the holidays, it doesn’t mean that your fitness goals can’t be achieved. It also doesn’t mean that you should continue eating unhealthy food. Start eating cleaner and greener to help your body feel better. Starving yourself and under-eating will not do anything to reverse what you already ate.
You can track your macro nutrients if you want to make sure you are eating healthier, but remember not to obsess over the calorie count. Nutrition is much more than just the calorie content, and overthinking calories will make you build an unhealthy relationship with food.
(Also read: The Best Ways to Keep Your Heart Strong And Healthy, According to a Doctor)
Start slow
After a week or more of low activity, your body will be in complete shock if you suddenly start doing high-intensity exercises every day. It is highly likely that you will overtrain or feel discouraged by your current fitness level.
Instead, ease into your routine gradually. If you’re feeling unmotivated, sign up for free trials at different gyms so that you can experience fresh workouts that will excite you. And if you’re already a member at a certain fitness studio, pre-book classes so you will be compelled to attend them or forfeit your class credits.
(Also read: Fitness Trainer Cheryl Loh Got Her Exercise-Hating Mum to Start Working Out Regularly)
