5 Ways to Stay Fit During the Holidays

The holidays are here, which means family, celebration, and great food. Unfortunately, it also means the most challenging time of the year for maintaining a good diet and exercise routine.  

With celebratory dinners and delicious holiday treats, our holiday traditions can disrupt many of our regular routines for fitness and a healthy diet. Not only that, our busy schedules and traveling can make trips to the weight room or cardio fitness classes hard to manage. But with the right practices, keeping fit this winter is possible!

 That’s why we put together this list of 5 ways to stay fit during the trying holiday season. 

Don’t lose your fitness progress from the past year. Use these tips to enter the new year healthy and feeling great.

1. Exercise When You Can

Schedules get busy during the holiday season, meaning the times you typically stopped by the weight room or cardio fitness classes are devoted to gift-buying, holiday celebrations, or traveling. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get a workout in!

This holiday season, stay flexible with your schedule and go to the gym when you can, even when it’s not your typical routine.

Gyms like Chicago Athletic Clubs have morning through evening hours, offering cardio fitness classes at numerous time slots. They’re perfect for those looking to fit in a quick workout before work, during their lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends.

2. Carry an Extra Exercise Outfit 

In order to stay flexible with your exercise routine, stay prepared! Keep an extra workout outfit on hand.

Whether you keep it in the car or at the office, having a spare exercise outfit can make all the difference for whether you’re able to fit in a quick 30-minute pump in the weight room or a cardio fitness class in the middle of your busy holiday schedule. 

3. Enjoying Holiday Treats Doesn’t Require Overindulging

It’s important to enjoy the holiday season. Denying pleasures that come around once a year is bound to leave you feeling sour. But while enjoying the delicious meals this season, remember overindulging isn’t necessary.

While reasonable portions of delicious holiday meals aren’t going to throw off your wellness regimen, going overboard certainly isn’t helpful.

4. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is vital during the holiday season. Whether it’s delicious but salty foods or holiday alcoholic drinks, it’s easy to get dehydrated.

Dehydration can lead to feelings of lethargy, which will make it hard to exercise. Dehydration can also fool you into thinking you’re hungry—when, actually, your body craves a tall glass of water. So carry a water bottle this holiday season to stay hydrated, avoid overeating, and keep your energy levels high.

5. Seek Out a Day Pass at a Local Gym

Just because you’re not a member of a gym doesn’t mean you can’t get a workout. Fitness clubs like Chicago Athletic Clubs offer day passes so that even prospective members can enjoy their facilities. 

Are you heading out of town? CAC’s morning hours are ideal for those looking to sneak in an early workout in the weight room before a long holiday plane ride or road trip.

Chicago Athletic Clubs: Your Home for Holiday Fitness

This holiday season, stay healthy and fit with Chicago Athletic Clubs. With numerous facilities throughout the Chicago area, we offer weight rooms and cardio fitness classes to help you stay active, strong, and feeling great.

Reach out to us, or stop by one of our facilities today! We look forward to sharing your fitness journey with you.