Staying Fit and Motivated During the Holidays

Scott Baker

With the holidays fast approaching and the New Year right around the corner, it is difficult not to get excited about what is and could be ahead for us. I love New Years. Not in a Dick Clark or especially Ryan Seacrest kind of way. And not in a going out with drunk people who are trying so hard to have a good time, with their pretentious parties, overcrowded bars, overpriced restaurants, DUI checks on every corner on what they call 'amateur night' kind of way. But more of a reflecting and exciting kind of time.

Since I have been a personal trainer for 9 years now, I have always felt that there is no reason why if you eat healthy, exercise regularly, and treat yourself nicely, you cannot look and feel better than you did the year before. No reason at all.

Sometimes new years’ resolutions are so hard for people to keep because it is so overwhelming to think about completing something that seems so far away. But short term goals are so much easier. You have about 60 days to make it through, so let’s get started.

Here are some tips from a professional personal trainer and also someone who will eat any cookie at arms length away...

Have a goal. Work-out 4-5 times a week, run x amount of miles, say you are going to maintain your weight or even lose a few pounds before January 1.

Have an 'outer door' experience. Stress can make you gain weight, so take some of that stress off by taking a beach yoga class, going for a run, a walk, a bike ride, or watch a sunset. All of these activities promote a serene mood and clarified thinking.

Have a partner. Whether it be a trainer, significant other, or a friend. Keep your appointments, (if you make them, you are more likely to keep them), hold each other accountable, hold yourself accountable.

Have an ego. Vanity is a great motivator. If you are going to see family or friends you haven't seen in a while, or if you wanted to put on this tight, little, sexy dress, for these work parties and social gatherings you will be attending, make people say “Wow, you look goooood!”

Have a plan. If you are going to a party tonight where you know there will be rich foods and creamy desserts or creamy foods and rich desserts, eat a healthy breakfast, and a healthy lunch. Drink plenty of water, squeeze in a quick workout. If you are traveling and going to see the family and think that going to the gym is going to be impossible, play with the kids, have a sit-up or push-up contest, or walk the dog.

Have fun. Be easy on yourself. Enjoy your food. There are still so many delicious, healthy choices you can make.

If you look at your health and fitness as a way of life, cemented permanently in your being, get your mindset on finishing the year up strong, being easy on yourself, and you look at the holiday season as fun, you can make it through with very little damage being done. But mostly, if you follow the maxim that some wise sage once said 'everything in moderation, especially dessert', you'll be okay.

Scott Baker
		About the author:
		Scott Baker is the founder of Gemini Fit Personal Training. He has been a personal trainer for 9 years and his style is to take something common and unimaginitive and make it unique. His philosophy is when your body and mind are connected and supporting of each other, nothing is impossible. To find out more, check out Gemini Fit.
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