As the holiday season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of festivities, delicious meals, and cozy moments by the fireplace. However, amidst all the merriment, it's vital to remember the importance of staying active. In this blog, we will delve into the numerous benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle during the holidays, offering insights and expert tips from leading fitness professionals to inspire and guide you along the way.
The Holiday Fitness Conundrum
During the holiday season, we often face challenges that make staying active seem like an uphill battle. Time constraints increased social commitments, and indulgent food choices can all derail our fitness routines. However, neglecting physical activity during this time can impact our overall well-being, leaving us feeling sluggish, stressed, and even guilty. It's essential to recognize the importance of exercise in managing stress and boosting mood, particularly during the potentially hectic holiday period. At SportPort Active, we believe staying active is not only necessary, but also the key to life. So, this holiday season we’ve included a special holiday treat, Caroline’s 24 Days of Christmas, Caroline Girvan’s 20 minute workouts!
Expert Insights on Holiday Fitness
To show the importance of staying active during the holidays, and throughout the year, we turned to some of the industry's leading fitness experts:
- Jessica Smith, Certified Personal Trainer:
Jessica Smith's workout programs are the perfect concoction of efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring you can enjoy the festive cheer without missing a beat in your fitness regime. Dr. Smith says, "Maintaining a consistent exercise routine during the holidays not only helps manage weight gain but also reduces stress and promotes mental clarity. Incorporate short, high-intensity workouts or embrace active family activities to keep everyone moving." Jessica’s Workout Programs will help to ease the holiday hustle and bustle. Healthy Holidays Collection and How to Enjoy Holiday Eating Without Guilt or Stress, are both helpful holiday tools.
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Kayla Itsines, Fitness Trainer and Creator of the Bikini Body Guides:
Kayla’s mission is to help support women in their health and fitness journey so they can become the BEST version of themselves, and her programs help women feel confident and strong whether you're a beginner or more advanced. Fitness trainer, Kayla Itsines states, "Staying active during the holiday season doesn't have to feel like a chore. It's important to find activities that you enjoy and make them a part of your routine. Whether it's dancing, hiking, or trying out a new fitness class, find ways to keep moving that bring you joy. Additionally, don't forget to prioritize self-care and give yourself permission to rest and relax when needed. Remember, the goal is to maintain a healthy balance and enjoy the holiday season without feeling guilty about indulging in some festive treats." Join Sweat for a free trial with Kayla.
- Kelsey Wells, Personal Trainer, Wife and Mother:
If you’re looking for a change, Kelsey Wells is motivated in helping women of all life stages to nourish and power your body, strengthen your self-love and self-belief through fitness. She wants to create change so you can feel more powerful than ever. “I want ALL women to feel amazing, both inside and out, and to be totally in love with who they are. You can train alongside me at any stage of your fitness journey, simply choose the program that best suits your goals.” We, at SportPort Active, endorse Kelsey’s body weight workout, Free PWR Zero Workout; Bodyweight Strength Training at its Best.
- Caroline Girvan, Strength Trainer and Weightlifter:
Caroline Girvan is a fitness enthusiasts known for her free programs and series on YouTube, her focus being on strength training and body building. You may be familiar with her fitness blog, “2 Lazy 4 Gym”, (aka, chosen not because she’s lazy, but because she values her time). Caroline cites, “I have a million things to do every day—and that includes working out and I do not want to waste that precious time driving to the gym and doing all the gym stuff before I can even get started working out. Nor do I want to alter my day for a gym class schedule.” Caroline’s 24 Days of Christmas is a perfect holiday workout, it’s super challenging, fun and festive!
Reap the Rewards: Benefits of Staying Active
The benefits of staying active during the holidays extend beyond physical fitness. Regular exercise can help manage holiday-related weight gain, boost metabolism, and improve overall body composition. Additionally, physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, reducing stress and improving mood. It also enhances energy levels, promotes better sleep, and increases mental well-being, contributing to a more joyous and fulfilling holiday experience.
By prioritizing physical activity during the holiday season, we can navigate the indulgences that come with the festivities while emerging feeling energized and fulfilled. Incorporating insights from leading fitness experts, embracing fun and engaging holiday workouts, and making fitness a part of holiday traditions will ensure that the holiday hustle becomes an opportunity to thrive both physically and mentally. Remember, is not only important for your health, but also for creating lasting memories and joyous celebrations.
Happy holidays!
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