Healthy Habits: Balancing Indulgences with Fitness and Wellbeing During the Holidays

How Enrolling in Fitness Classes Near You Can Help Keep You on Track to Hitting Your Goals

The winter season is a time of joy, togetherness, and – let's be honest – indulgence. From festive feasts to sweet treats, it's easy to get carried away with holiday delights. However, with some strategic planning, a gym membership, and a little bit of willpower, you can savor the season while staying on track with your fitness goals.

The following blog explores how to strike the perfect balance between holiday indulgences and fitness. After we’ve covered the benefits of holiday healthy habits, we’ll provide some useful info on how to find fitness classes near you so that you can get on track to meet your goals.

#1 – Be Mindful When Embracing Holiday Flavors

While holiday feasting is a cherished tradition at work or family gatherings, it's essential to approach it with mindfulness of portion control. Opt for smaller servings and savor each bite. Also make room on your plate for fruits, veggies, and lean proteins to balance out richer dishes.

#2 – Be Careful About Alcohol Consumption

Although one glass of wine with your dinner probably isn’t a big deal, several alcoholic drinks add up to empty calories and can hinder your impulse control when it comes to food. If you choose to drink over the holidays, do so in moderation.

#3 – Involve the Family

Encourage family and friends to join in on the active lifestyle. Plan a post-feast walk or hike, organize a friendly game of touch football, or explore local holiday light displays on foot. You can get your steps in just by walking around on the Plaza and taking in this year’s holiday décor.

#4 – Make Smart Treat Choices

What do you think of when you think of treats? Loads and loads of sugar, right? The good news is that there are limitless options in terms of less indulgent, but equally delicious desserts that are great for folks who are taking care to eat a balanced diet, like fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or bite-size desserts. However, if you can’t or don’t want to avoid the holiday classics, be sure to consume them in moderation.

#5 – Plan Your Workouts

The fall and winter holiday season can be hectic. Attending fitness classes near you may be more of a challenge than usual when so much is happening. Going to work, raising a family, shopping for the holidays, and attending get-togethers can easily take over a schedule.

However, you can overcome this with some simple planning. Because most fitness center classes are put on the calendar weeks in advance, you can make scheduling your workouts one of your healthy habits. Take advantage of early-morning classes. Sometimes the best way to ensure you work out is by making it the very first thing you do on a given day.

#6 – Track Your Progress

If you find it motivating and helpful, you can track the work you’ve put in toward your fitness goals. There are plenty of ways to ensure you keep your eye on the prize this holiday season. Most notably, you can check out the many smartphone apps that allow you to track your exercise, balanced diet, and body composition. Although fitness apps aren’t exact, logging everything you’ve done is a healthy habit that keeps you mindful of your choices.  

#7 – Prioritize Your Self-Care

The holidays are exciting and an opportunity to see family members you haven’t in a long time, but they can also be stressful. If your family dynamic begins to challenge your patience, you need to remember that your mental health and emotional wellbeing come first. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or attending a restorative yoga class to find your center again. Fitness centers are the perfect place to blow off steam while getting in a challenging workout.

Getting a Gym Membership this Holiday Season

Rather than adding a gym membership to your holiday wish list, take some initiative and get started with one today. You can even get the family involved with a group membership or one for couples.

The J features classes and amenities that will help you meet your fitness goals where you can begin your journey to becoming a healthier you. Remember, hitting your goals doesn’t happen overnight. The key is to commit to healthy habits and stick with them every day. Over time, you will begin to see the fruits of your labor. So, lace up your sneakers, visit The J, and savor the flavors of the holiday season in moderation.