The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and delicious food. But it can also be a time when our fitness routines take a backseat. With busy schedules, holiday parties, and tempting treats, it can be tough to stay motivated.
Staying active during these busy months can actually help boost your energy, reduce stress, and even keep you feeling more jolly! Here at the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA, we know the struggle is real. That’s why we’re here with a few tips—and a special challenge—to help you keep moving and stay motivated through it all.
What Can Get in the Way of Your Fitness Routine?
- Jam-Packed Schedules: The holiday calendar fills up fast. One moment, you’re shopping for gifts, and the next, you’re getting 100+ cookies made for the holiday bake sale. With so much going on, it can be tempting to skip your workout “just this once” (and then maybe “just one more time” after that).
- Holiday Treats: Speaking of bake sales, how good are all the treats during the holidays? Pumpkin pie, gingerbread cookies, holiday cocktails, LEFSE — delicious treats are suddenly everywhere! While indulging is all part of the holiday fun, it can make sticking to your wellness goals feel like a constant battle.
- Seasonal Stress & Fatigue: The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can lead to increased stress and fatigue, making it harder to find the energy to work out. And, when it’s frosty outside, it’s much easier to reach for the hot chocolate and blanket than it is to brave the chill for a workout.
How Can You Stay Motivated Through the Holidays?
Now that we've gone through some of the obstacles we all face during the holidays, let's take a look at how you can stay motivated to stay active during the busiest time of the year.
- Be Kind to Yourself: During this season of giving and thankfulness, we put extra effort in to be kind to others, but we also have to remember to be kind to ourselves. Staying motivated doesn’t mean you need to be perfect. It’s okay to miss a day or enjoy that extra holiday cookie. Just remember that every effort counts, and getting back to it the next day is all part of the journey.
- Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments: It’s harder to skip a workout when it’s on your calendar. Look at your weekly schedule and set aside specific times for exercise. Treat these like can’t-miss appointments with yourself, and let friends and family know that your gym time is non-negotiable.
- Join a Group Exercise Class: One of the greatest benefits of joining Group Exercise classes at the YMCA is that you get to meet great people who have goals just like you do. When you join a class regularly, you and other members of the class will begin to expect each other to be there and you will begin to hold each other accountable! Try a cardio class to burn off some holiday stress, or a gentle yoga session to center yourself before the holiday bustle picks up.
- Join the YMCA Holiday Hustle Challenge: Need a little extra accountability? Our Holiday Hustle Challenge starts on November 25th! This 40-day challenge is designed to keep you moving right through to the New Year. With workout logs, weekly accountability, and nutrition and workout tips, the Holiday Hustle Challenge gives you all the tools to stay on track. And there are even prizes available—think of it as extra holiday motivation!
- Set Small Goals and Celebrate Your Wins: Aiming for a big goal during the holidays can feel overwhelming, so break it down into bite-sized goals. Each week, challenge yourself to try something new or hit a specific target. For example, “I’ll make it to three group classes” or “I’ll get in 150 minutes of movement.” Small wins add up and keep you feeling accomplished. Once you reach your goals, take some time to reflect and celebrate. You deserve it.
Between our free group exercise classes and the Holiday Hustle Challenge, the YMCA has everything you need to keep moving and stay motivated—even when the holiday chaos kicks in.
So, Kandiyhoi County, let’s hustle into the holidays together. We’ll see you at the Y—your holiday fitness journey starts now!