20
Nov

Festive Exercise Survival Guide from Matrix

The festive season is upon us, and that can only mean diet debauchery, abandoned fitness regimes and sofa TV marathons…or does it? With a little forward planning and a pinch of self-discipline, it is perfectly possible to enjoy a happy Christmas and enter the New Year feeling fit, revived, and looking less like the big guy himself!

As we countdown to the big day we find more and more social functions keep cropping up – an after work drink, a visit to relatives, several Christmas parties and buffet feasts galore! …They just keep on coming!

So let’s start by being realistic, there is bound to be some over-indulging over the festive season and your regular fitness regime will probably be interrupted. However, by following a few simple tips there is no reason why you cannot see in the New Year feeling fit and fabulous and if you do wake up with a sore head on New Years Day, you can always start again on the 2nd January!

Here are our festive exercise survival tips:

  1. DO IT FIRST

Try and do some exercise in the morning before you go to work, that way there should be no excuses for not moving.                                                                                                                                                                             Set your alarm half an hour earlier and get into one of the hundreds of 24hr gyms, or brave the crisp, cold air in the park or hop off the bus a few stops earlier and gain some extra steps. Once you start it, it becomes the norm.

  1. DO IT WITH A FRIEND

Christmas is a time for catching up with friends, so why not organise a catch up that involves moving? A walk around a lake, a gym class or even a planned activity with the kids, like a hike, bike ride or a visit to a water park. Having friends and family around you, will not only help motivate you, but it also gets them moving too!

  1. DO IT AT WORK

Whilst you’re at work, why not try and add a few “extra” excuses to move. Instead of emailing a colleague, make it a point to get off your chair and go and see them. Instead of taking the lift, try the stairs or instead of sitting in the lunchroom, do a couple of walks around the block. The trick is to fit in physical activity whenever you can. (Oh and at that work Christmas party – what better excuse than to get your dancing shoes on!)

4.  DO IT WISE

We know that the holidays and booze seem to go hand-in-hand, however by making some wise swaps, you can reduce those calories and really make an impact on that expanding waistline.

Clear spirit-base drinks such as vodka mixed with fresh lime and soda or gin and tonic are much better options than wine and beer and by alternating your drinks with a glass of water, you not only reduce the calorie intake but your body will thank you in the morning!

-Did you know 1 pint of beer could have the equivalent calories (197) as a large slice of pizza?

5. DO IT WITHOUT TRYING

Christmas shopping can actually be a workout! Walking around the shopping centre for hours, carrying heavy bags around or pushing the trolley with the kids all count. If you enjoy shopping, do a sneaky couple of laps and raise those heavy bags by your side or why not park the car a little further away (You will thank yourself for not wasting time searching for that space near the entrance!).

 

For further tips, product demonstrations and learning, visit the Matrix Learning Centre here.