13 Mar How to not BREAK during the FESTIVE BREAK
As 2019 is coming to a close, we’d first like to start off by thanking everyone who’s joined the Stride Community thus far! We can’t wait to show you all what we have in store for 2020!
To round out 2019, I think it’s fitting to share with you some tips on how to get through the Christmas period and come out swinging in the new year!
Tip 1 – Enjoy the Break ! Don’t feel guilty!
We aren’t going to sit here and tell you not to eat lots or drink heaps, because although we’re physio’s.. We’re still human! The holiday period is about catching up with friends and family, enjoying a variety of foods and sharing stories over a few cold ones! What you can do however, is throughout the day eat plenty of fruit and drink plenty of water… All that food and drink is ok in moderation, just make sure you balance it out with the good stuff!
Tip 2 – Condense/Mix up your training
It can be extremely hard to get motivated to get to the gym at this time of year. For someone who might go six days a week, that might not be feasible while you’re on holidays. Try reducing the number of sessions you do, but make sure you keep the same quality. For example, if you like to do cardio one day, and weights the next, condense the two and complete a circuit style session where you’re still lifting weights, but at a higher volume and with shorter rest periods.
You can also try short sharp “finishers” at the end of every weights session… equipment such as the WATT bikes, Rowing machines and the ski erg are great for this!
Tip 3 – Expect to start 2020 a little under done!
The hardest thing about this time of year is accepting you might go a little backwards. Now, I take my hat off to those of you that can keep the same routine, train every day, and not eat that extra piece of crackling, but I just can’t do it! Accepting that your fitness might go a little backwards is ok, I promise you’ll get it back in no time when the festive season is over… If you’re still eating heaps, drinking a lot, and not exercising come the end of January, then it might be time to be worried!
Tip 4 – If you do have a break, respect your body when you start back up!
Pretty self explanatory, and I’m sure my first blog of 2020 will cover training errors! However, it won’t hurt saying it twice… If you do enjoy the festive season then you will need to gradually ease back into your training! It may not sound like a long time, but our muscles, bones and tendons respond directly to load! If you try and go from couch to 5km in under a week, you’re going to get sore!!! Time is on your side! Gradually increase your load to be able to stay doing the things you love!
I hope these tips can give you some piece of mind, however they definitely aren’t encouraging you to go bazerk! Be smart with your exercise over this period, but don’t feel guilty!
Merry Christmas to you and your families!
