Expert Tips to Keep Fit Over the Holidays

Take advice from two local fitness experts to keep you healthy and svelte throughout the holidays

With numerous seasonal events, work and family-related obligations, travel schedules and opportunities for continuous indulgence, it’s no surprise our waistlines often expand during the holiday season. However, with a little adherence to the right program and the right dietary choices, you can still maintain your fitness levels and have some fun while you’re at it. The following are a few helpful tips to stay on track during the holidays and avoid compromising your health and fitness.

1. Tommy Europe, celebrity fitness coach, suggests planning out your nutrition and training schedule on the weekend for the week ahead.
2. Create your own challenge—take on a different running, power walking, spinning, dancing or yoga challenge.
3. Make it official: sign up for a race or fitness competition.
4. Try sightseeing around town on foot or by bike.
5. Find a workout buddy who can keep you accountable.
6. Treat yourself: instead of sweet treats, indulge in some new workout clothes.
7. Start a fitness tradition with family or friends.
8. Take advantage of promotions at gyms and exercise studios.
9. Try dancing to learn something new.
10. Start your 2016 resolutions now!

Click through for tips to avoid falling into holiday “food traps.”

Make an effort to eat right over the holidays

It’s so easy to fall into “food traps” at this time of year. Luckily, we are arming you with the necessary tools to take on those holiday events, work parties or family get-togethers you have coming up. These are our top 3 holiday food trap hacks, thanks to Ella Jotie, co-founder and creator of Barre Fitness.

1. Be prepared! The holidays are such a busy time, running back and forth between parties, errands, the grocery store and shopping for presents. Pack a small cooler of healthy snacks, such as almonds, fresh cut veggies and a smoothie and keep the cooler in your car. This is a great way to stay fuelled for the day and you’ll be less likely to hit that fast food drive-thru when you’re on the go. 
2. Eat before the party! Have a healthy snack or meal before you head to that big holiday bash, because you never know what kind of tempting treats or calorie-laden dishes will be served. This tip will ensure that you keep your healthy eating on track and that you are less likely to overindulge on the cheese plate or dessert tray. 
3. Enjoy what you love, guilt-free! Let’s face it: we all have a holiday favourite that we just can’t resist. Go for it—have a spiced eggnog or a slice of Christmas cake. Don’t deprive yourself of the things that you love, enjoy them in moderation and don’t beat yourself up about it.

Bonus Tip

Keep moving! Find time to keep up with your workouts over the holidays, even 10 minutes a day will keep you on track and healthy over the holidays. Get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Hike, run, skate, ski, snowshoe—are all great options and can be done solo, with a partner or group of friends. Try one of Barre Fitness’ free 10-minute online workouts.

Click through for a customizable fun fitness plan from celebrity fitness coach Tommy Europe that you can do in your condo gym.

Tommy Europe’s easy 20 to 30-minute workout

Perform each exercise for one minute, then move onto the next exercise (circuit style) until you’ve completed all eight exercises. Take a one-minute rest and repeat the circuit again.

1. Burpees
2. Alternating lunges
3. Push-ups
4. Reverse crunches
5. Glute bridge
6. Tuck jumps
7. Side plank (30 seconds each side)
8. Renegade row (with dumbbells or a milk jug, 30 seconds each arm)