8 ways to squeeze in a workout this Christmas
Meeting up with old friends, attending office parties, Christmas shopping and getting work deadlines wrapped up before December 25 can all get pretty overwhelming — so overwhelming, in fact, that it can be tempting to postpone any workout plans until further notice.
But staying fit throughout the holidays not only helps to keep you in shape, but exercising will actually make you more productive, give you way more energy and help you de-stress — all of these things make for a far more efficient and enjoyable party season.
Like the sound of that but not sure how you’re going to fit it in? Here are eight ways to squeeze in a workout.
Health clubs and gyms know what we’re going through — balancing a million things at once and barely having time for a lunch break some days. That’s why lots of gyms run fast classes: group exercise classes that last no longer than half an hour while promising to give you a workout that feels way longer. Check out the fat-burning sessions that get you twisting, pushing and pulling in every direction while boosting metabolism and raising your heart rate.
There’s nothing worse than rushing to the gym for a quick in-and-out session and being faced with a crowded gym floor or shower queue. This kind of session involves weaving through people, wasting time trying to find a decent spot and waiting around for the dumbbells or equipment you want to use. So, if your schedule allows for it, choose the least busy times, like late at night. You’ll get your pick of the kit and showers. No dilly dallying. No fuss. No wasted time.
For the next two weeks, forget about separating cardio and strength days. Spin Mondays, leg Wednesdays and circuit Fridays can wait — over the party season there’s no reason why you can’t get your cardio and strength fix in one swift session. Creating a cardio workout using resistance exercises with little rest between sets means you’ll tick both boxes, so get moving with box jumps, mountain climbers and jumping lunges for now.
However many times you usually exercise, cut it. Switch from five to three sessions a week without sacrificing any of the effects by taking it up a couple of gears when you are working out. Focusing on quality over quantity could save you precious hours, and is as easy as modifying your moves. Turn squats into squat jumps, press-ups into press-up renegade rows and runs into sprint sessions. Cut rest periods, opt for supersets and incorporate warm-ups into sets, too.
Stop taking the bus, train or car to work. Get yourself a decent backpack, a good pair of trainers and run or cycle instead. Not only will you be getting your workout done and dusted before you even start the day, but you’ll also be unleashing that eco warrior within. The environment, as well as your schedule, will thank you for it.
Wake up, work out, get ready and go. Sounds too easy, doesn’t it? Well, why shouldn’t it be? There are plenty of ways to work out at home and if you squeeze in a quick, intense bodyweight workout in your bedroom or living room before you even take your morning shower, you’ll barely notice the dent in your day. Burpees by the bed, anyone?
Around Christmas time, when everyone’s struggling to keep up with their schedule, for some reason we all think it’s a great idea to make loads of social plans, too. Not just with our best mates and families but with old friends for reunions. So why not make your social events exercise-related You could all go for a walk together, try a new class (it makes for a great talking point afterwards) or hit the gym.
Yep, you read that right. Do exactly what you normally do every day but make it more difficult. The lift should become a stranger and the stairs a good friend. Shopping trolleys should be abandoned for your new buddy, the basket, and don’t you even think about driving a walkable distance. Every one of these switch-ups will get you burning calories throughout your regular day.
Fitness expert Dave Fletcher shows us how to make your cardio and strength workouts a match made in heaven:
Try a circuit of low-rep exercises with as little rest as possible to keep the heart rate up. This is the best way to maximise fat burn in your workout.
Perform big, compound movements like squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses and press-ups. Now is not the time for bicep curls.
Do heavy reps with the heaviest weight you can lift with good form to stimulate fast-twitch muscle fibres, which will help to boost metabolism.
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