The Christmas period is often a challenging time for many of us. The holiday season too often rhymes with overindulgence , a drop in motivation , and physical activity put on hold for one to two weeks . If you're among the 37% of French people who make a New Year's resolution to start exercising , know that you can start now !
For everyone else, this isn't an excuse to hang up your leggings and sneakers—quite the opposite! It would be a shame to undo all the effort you've put in over many weeks in just a few days. One question remains, however: how do you organize yourself and maintain your fitness routine between Christmas and New Year's?
For you, our Nolijettes, we're sharing our strategies for better managing this period and staying active during the holiday season! The goal: no stress , just fun !
Before the holidays
Intensify or begin a physical activity
Contrary to popular belief, the weeks leading up to Christmas are a perfect opportunity to intensify your workouts , or even to start a new physical activity . However, one rule is crucial before you begin: you must find time to exercise, and for that, there's only one solution: plan your schedule .
Indeed, creating a schedule for your sports activities is a very effective way to avoid cheating during the Christmas holidays. Choosing the right activity if you're a beginner, or intensifying your favorite sport, will have several benefits : you'll be sure to stay motivated , and you'll practice the activity with a positive attitude and achieve results !
The beneficial effects are easy to understand. In the case of muscle-strengthening activities, for example, you will gain muscle and therefore tone , which will improve your basal metabolic rate without you even being aware of it. Thanks to this, you will burn more calories without doing anything than someone who doesn't exercise.
Simply put, when you exercise before the holidays, you're better able to handle the extra calories . Conversely, if you don't exercise, your body will be less able to manage any overindulgence. Starting during this period is therefore a good way to mitigate the negative effects of holiday overindulgence .
In practice: do more intense workouts and give your cardio a boost. Ideally , you should start three weeks beforehand , but it's never too late. For those less athletic, exercise can be very simple habits to adopt, starting with everyday routines like walking or cycling to work (as much as possible), taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. You can also create slightly more " sporty " daily routines, such as morning stretches , doing a 30-second plank , and a few sit- ups first thing in the morning. Simple steps , but they'll prepare your body for the holidays.
… allows you to better manage your personal well-being as the holidays approach
During this time of year, don't hesitate to start your day with a good workout; it gives you a real boost of energy , especially if you have large meals planned! Doing some exercise in the morning is great, and it's often the time of day when you can take your time! It also helps you wake up more easily and gives you increased motivation , in addition to preventing you from staying in bed. Exercise increases the production of endorphins and various hormones involved in mood regulation ( remember? 😉 ), which can help you approach the day ahead with greater peace of mind.
For 9 out of 10 French people , sport is good for morale and ensures well-being , are you one of them?
However, it's important to maintain a certain level of discipline , even though enjoyment is paramount. A 30-minute session is better than no session at all.
This can also be a great opportunity to spend time with family , encouraging your loved ones to get some exercise with you. No need for a gym membership; with the right exercises and the right method, you can put on your sneakers, a warm jacket, and head out for a short run or brisk walk to fully enjoy the experience !
During the holidays
We manage stress gently
Yes, we don't immediately think of stress when we think of holidays, but 77% of French people feel stress related to the Christmas period and it's quite natural , there are so many things to prepare that we often feel overwhelmed .
It's therefore important to be able to unwind . Continuing to run or train during the holidays helps manage stress (much like the rest of the year, actually). Conversely, not letting off steam could increase your already existing anxiety . So, let's make time for a little moment of well-being .
Enjoying oneself without excess
These sessions will also allow you to limit the impact of dietary indulgences, which we tend to overdo. And rightly so, because the idea isn't to deprive yourself and then feel frustrated . By scheduling a workout for Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and during the week between the holidays , you'll boost your metabolism thanks to the oxygen debt your exercise will generate.
Just because you're going to run 10km doesn't mean you can have a heavier hand, but it's important and pleasant to enjoy the company of loved ones over a good meal, isn't it?
After the holidays
We're getting back into balance!
In terms of diet , the post-holiday period represents the perfect opportunity to gradually rebalance your diet.
Put aside alcohol , foods that are too high in calories , too fatty , or too sugary . We've had enough anyway!
Now is the time to eat lighter : opt for broths , soups , vegetable purees , or similar. These foods are among those that allow our bodies to rest after overindulging. They have the advantage of being light , rich in water , and a source of vitamins and minerals, ideal for replenishing our nutrients .
If you notice weight gain during the holidays, don't panic: your weight will quickly return to normal once you resume a balanced diet .
Always further, always higher, always stronger!
The good news is, if you managed to keep up a rhythm and continue training during the holidays, you will start the year more easily and on a healthier and more serene footing.
Indeed, the hardest part is over and you will only need a shorter adjustment period to get back into your rhythm; all you will have to do is maintain it.
The most difficult situation is when you've been inactive for a week or two. Getting back into physical activity might be challenging, but it's well worth the effort. Let's not forget that for 63% of French people , sport is a real source of pleasure, so let's remember the effect it has and the joy of success ! So don't give up, and get back into it by adapting your workouts !
No Limit, Just U!
