With merry festivities — including eggnog, candy canes, and down-home cooking, the holidays can be a tough time to stay active.

But there are ways to stick to your fitness routine or commit to getting in shape.

“Prioritize it. Even if you don’t have a ton of time to do it, at least do a little bit to make time for something, whether it be like a 20-minute walk or maybe some exercises, kids don’t have access to a lot of equipment,” said Performance Fitness Lead Trainer Courtney Hosch. “Prioritizing something so you can keep the routine or start a new routine.”

Richard Gauldin can attest to that — he’s in the gym five days a week and says he’s one of these guys who’s there on Christmas day pumping iron.

“Last year I watched the Grinch on tv while I was working out,” the bodybuilder said. “For me, it’s about looking good without a shirt on and number two, it’s a mental thing. Working out is my therapy — releases endorphins, and adrenaline. It’s just a really feel-good feeling.”

Be reasonable with your goals. If you’re new to fitness and go too hard you might not want to return.

“Keep it within reason, even if you feel like you’re not pushing too hard,” Hosch said. “And ease into it so that you can make it a lifestyle instead of just a
one-and-done.”

The trainer says to stick to your holiday dinner, not a whole month of Christmas, etc.

“Then getting back to your regular eating routine afterward will help keep you from sabotaging yourself,” said Hosch. “And paying attention to the liquid calories (like the specialty Christmas Starbucks drinks or alcohol) because they add up really quick and can destroy your goals.”

And watch your portion size at the Christmas or holiday table.

“If you just get one plate instead of seven, that helps,” the trainer said. “Getting at least a quarter of your plate with a good protein source. That could be a meat, high quality vegetable blend.”

As for New Year’s resolutions; she says don’t wait — if you have goals go ahead and start them now. Consider your why: do you want to look good, feel better, or be able to keep up with your grandkids?

“Smart goals — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant. And time sensitive,” said Hosch.

Stick with your fitness aspirations throughout the holidays and beyond like showing up.

“Whenever you don’t want to show up, that’s when you should show up,” Gauldin said. “That’ll make you work out the hardest. Never quit.”

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