7 Easy Steps to Fit Exercise into your Holiday Schedule

Nov. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- San Clemente, November 18, 2011 – With Thanksgiving just a few days away, Black Friday isn’t that far off and it will mean just as much to your waist as to your wallet.  You know what this means: Shopping and other holiday activities will consume so much of your time, regular exercise will be put on the back burner – or forgotten altogether.

“During this time of year, our lives can get very hectic, so workout routines can get disrupted or ignored,” says McNaughton, founder of San Clemente Boot Camp. Many people put off exercising, thinking a few weeks off won’t hurt them, or that they can catch up after the New Year.  However, no matter one’s athletic ability, we all find it more difficult to restart exercising after taking a break, not to mention trying to lose those post holiday pounds. And for all the shoppers zipping around the mall, don’t think for one minute that hauling shopping bags or running from store to store counts as exercise!  

Although finding time for regular workouts may be a challenge during the holidays, there are ways to stay on track – it’s all a matter of good planning and motivation, says McNaughton.  She suggests these 7 steps to holiday fitness:

1.   Try a bit of visualization. “Imagine yourself on January 1 – and beyond – after not having exercised for several weeks. How much heavier will you be? How much harder / longer will you have to work out to lose all the weight that piled on during the holidays? Often, when you think of the consequences of your actions ahead of time; that will be all the motivation you’ll need to keep exercising!”

2.   Break your usual exercise routine into a couple of small sessions throughout the day. “For example, two or three 10-15-minute workouts may be more manageable than an hour-long session”.

3.   Exercise in the morning. “It may mean getting up earlier than usual, but at least you’ll be done for the day. Plus, you’ll be more energized for all the other activities. Another possibility is to use part of your lunch hour for a mini-workout; even a short session is better than none”.

4.   Choose the right type of exercise. “Use HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), which is shorter in duration, but extremely effective at burning fat and keeping you in shape.”

5.   Ban all the “But I don’t have time” excuses. “Don’t fall into a trap of coming up with reasons why you can’t work out. Tell yourself right now that exercise is an important part of your healthy lifestyle, and that you can and will fit it into your schedule, no matter how hectic it gets.”

6.   Work out with a buddy or in a group. “Statistics show that people who exercise with a friend or in a group are more successful at exercising consistently. Make a pact with friends to encourage each other should one of you feel like slacking off.”

7.   Don’t feel like you can’t indulge at a special occasion.  Plan for it appropriately by eating before you attend the party so you won’t be starving when you get there.  It will allow you to pick and choose items that you will really enjoy instead of eating empty calories. If you know beforehand that you will be partaking in a sumptuous meal, make sure you plan a good workout before you go.

Following all these points “will help even the busiest people keep up with their exercise routines,” McNaughton notes. “When all the holiday bustle is over, you’ll be glad you did!”  Don’t let guilt overwhelm you throughout these holidays.  This is a wonderful time to celebrate friendship and family and indulge in the lights, music and atmosphere.  Plan in advance and make the most out of your holidays.

About Orshi McNaughton: Nationally Certified Fitness Trainer and Health Coach, McNaughton launched San Clemente Boot Camp in 2009. The boot camp now has over a 100 members, currently operating at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis Club and will soon be opening a private fitness facility after the New Year. Discover more tips and testimonials at SCBC’s website at www.sanclementebootcamp.com. Orshi and her team specialize in weight loss and toning for both men and women.  

About Orshi McNaughton, has over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry and can be reached at Orshi@sanclementebootcamp.com or 949-929-0140. She is available for media interviews on a wide range of topics related to health, wellness and fitness.