How to get back into your fitness routine after the holidays

How to get back into your fitness routine after the holidays

Sinterklaas, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day: December is a time of many festive celebrations. Unfortunately, these days can be detrimental to your fitness routine and your weight. Chances are you barely got around to exercising during this busy holiday season and have been eating unhealthily. So, it's time to get back into the gym. But how do you go about it?

It's all about balance if you want to maintain your weight. If you eat a little less healthy or more one day, you can often compensate the next. There's no problem then. But if you exceed your average calorie intake for several days, you will gain some weight. Especially if you stop exercising. The pounds will pile on.

With all the festive meals and minimal exercise, it's understandable that you gained some weight in December and now feel less toned. You ate more, barely watched your diet, and moved much less. Naturally, you want to lose those extra pounds, get back in shape, and feel fit. With our tips below, you're sure to get back on track with your fitness routine.

1. Set new fitness goals for yourself

The new year has just begun, and with it comes new opportunities. Set new goals for yourself to achieve them. Nothing is as motivating as having a goal you want to train for. This goal doesn't have to be anything out of the ordinary, as long as it motivates you. Moreover, it should be a realistic goal. Examples include feeling fitter, losing 4 kilos, mastering a specific exercise, or getting stronger. Keep adjusting your goals to stay motivated.

2. Start with lighter workouts

When you start training again after a month, it's tempting to start at the level you left off. Don't do this, because you'll be pushing your body too hard and risking injury. If you haven't exercised for a few weeks, your body will have changed somewhat. Your muscle mass will have shrunk somewhat, your breathing will have changed, and your fitness will have declined. So start with lighter workouts and choose lighter weights. Gradually increase the intensity so that after a few weeks, you're back to your previous level.

3. Schedule exercise back into your calendar

Schedule your workouts back into your schedule. If you set aside regular times for your fitness workouts, you'll be less likely to skip a workout. You'll then be much more likely to get back into the swing of things.

4. Realize that summer is coming again

It may seem far off now, but summer is getting closer. And with it, of course, comes summer clothing. By starting to exercise now, you'll ensure you're summer-ready before summer even really begins.

5. Exercise with a fitness buddy

Do you have a home gym? Invite your fitness buddy to work off those December pounds together. Working out together is even more motivating. Plus, most people perform better when they train with someone. You're less likely to cancel a workout because your workout buddy is counting on you. Furthermore, you often give a little more than usual. If your buddy manages an extra rep, you want to be able to do it too.

6. Treat yourself to a new sports outfit

Nothing beats working out in a new workout outfit. A new fitness year also calls for a new fitness outfit. This will instantly make you more eager to get your workout on.

7. Reward yourself in between

Did you achieve a goal at the end of the month? Reward yourself with a new item, such as a new barbell set, resistance bands, or punching bag.

8. Realize that you will also feel better mentally

While the holidays are always a joy, they also bring a lot of stress and obligations. Getting back into the gym can help you work off this stress. Exercise is not only good for your body, but also for your mind.

9. Eat healthy and drink enough

After a month of eating out and enjoying delicious treats, it's not only time to get back to fitness, but also to regain your balance. When you start working out again, it's wise to choose a balanced diet. Choose pure, healthy products and avoid sugary foods as much as possible. By doing this, you'll prevent bloating and enjoy your workouts much more. Also, make sure you drink enough, at least two liters a day. This will help flush out toxins from your body more quickly.

10. Work out at home

Don't have time to hit the gym in the new year? Or don't feel like cycling or driving to a gym in that cold winter weather? Then you can, of course, exercise at home. The advantage is that you're not tied to gym opening hours. With a home gym, you can work out whenever it suits you. Plus, you'll never have to wait for a machine to become available again, something that often happens at gyms. You can just start working out right away without having to worry about anyone else.

Try to exercise at least three times a week for 45 minutes. You'll find that with a few small fitness routines, you can easily get back into your fitness routine in no time.

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