It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! For most people just saying this brings on some serious excitement, but for others this is mixed with a little anxiety about how to stay healthy, fit in their holiday workouts, and to not lose all of the fitness progress they have made over the year!

Guess What? there is good news…there are many ways to protect yourself from taking big steps backwards in your fitness plan and ensure that you finish this year stronger than you started it!

1.- Schedule Your Holiday Workouts

When you look at your calendar, how often do you skip a meeting or appointment once it is scheduled? While it does happen from time to time, it is far more difficult to skip something once it is scheduled. Holiday parties often come up at the last moment, so try creating a weekly schedule to work around. On Sunday nights, record all of your holiday workouts for the next 7 days and if something should pop up that requires you to miss a workout, do not skip it, simply reschedule!

2.- Exercise in the Morning

It is far less likely for distractions to happen before the rest of the world is on the move, so try to get your holiday workouts in before you tackle anything else. Set your alarm for an hour earlier – not only does this get one less thing off of your To Do List, but you will also reap the benefits of extra energy and a feel good buzz all day!

3. – Make It Social

Fitting in time for all of your loved ones can be one of the biggest challenges over the holidays, but enter the “Exercise Date”! Instead of meeting a friend at the local pub, why not take in a fitness class together? Or head outdoors for some fresh air and a brisk walk while you catch up with each other!

4.- Use Every Opportunity To Get in your Holiday Workouts

This can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, but there are a ton of other ways to boost that heart rate and even get in a little strength training, just ask anyone who has shovelled snow off of their driveway! You could rake leaves or wash the car…whenever you see someone doing something physical around the house, offer to help! And the best part is you get bonus points with Santa for the nice gesture of helping others! If all else fails, crunches, squats and push-ups can easily be done while watching tv!

5. – Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

And then when you are done, hydrate some more! Dehydration is one of the biggest energy zappers around, so making sure that you are getting enough water is key to giving you the energy you need to push those holiday workouts and keep yourself going through the holidays. Beyond energy, staying hydrated will help you to make more mindful choices at the table as hunger is often confused with dehydration.

The holidays are a time to celebrate with your loved ones so remember to cut yourself a little slack and be realistic with your goals over the next month! With careful planning and some solid holiday workouts you really can have your Christmas cake and eat it too!

Struggling with trying to think of gift ideas for the fitness addict in your life?

Check out some great ideas on fitness related gift ideas.