{"id":21489,"date":"2022-12-06T12:00:01","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T12:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bulk.com\/uk\/the-core\/?p=21489"},"modified":"2024-11-27T11:28:41","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T11:28:41","slug":"how-to-approach-health-and-fitness-over-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bulk.com\/uk\/the-core\/how-to-approach-health-and-fitness-over-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Approach Health and Fitness over Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christmas is a time for festive parties and family visits, for decorating trees and gingerbread biscuits. Winter coats and warm fires, juicy turkeys and just-wrapped presents. It\u2019s a special time of year that should be cherished. But does this mean all of your fitness and health goals must be ignored? Not necessarily. It\u2019s very possible to enjoy the festivities while also staying true to your fitness ambitions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re the type of person to go for a run on Christmas morning and stick to those targets, fill up on mince pies post-workout or take a complete break, here\u2019s some advice on how best to approach (and survive) the festive season as a fitness lover.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Be realistic<\/b><\/h2>\n

The first step is to temper your expectations. Even if fitness is usually your top priority, it’s wise to give yourself some flexibility. Training programmes lose their consistency, optimal nutrition can slip and habits can become disorientated. Plans change and priorities shift. Just don\u2019t be too hard on yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of diet, this is a unique time of year when much of the country enters a similar mindset of indulgence. Going against this with a stubborn conviction may result in playful resistance from those close to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, it\u2019s up to you whether you want to stay stringent with your nutrition. You might be on a strict diet for many reasons that need sticking to. But keep in mind that a few days of loosened diet is insignificant in the context of a year of consistent, habitual routine. Just like drinking a <\/span>protein shake<\/b><\/a> and one gym session doesn’t build 10lbs of muscle, a few days of chocolate and Christmas pudding won\u2019t destroy your fitness progress. It\u2019s easier to go with the flow and enjoy it, rather than risk upsetting your aunt by saying her Christmas cake isn\u2019t macro-friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that January has a similar effect on people’s mindsets in terms of fitness and nutrition. You can use this to balance out the festive period. A time for your next set of goals and new intentions. And you\u2019ll feel ready for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2. Keep exercising for the enjoyment<\/b><\/h2>\n

You likely do exercise more than for just the benefits other than a healthy body. It\u2019s for the fun of it too. Whether it\u2019s challenging yourself in an intense HIIT session, growing your anterior deltoids with press-ups or letting the endorphins flow in a run, exercise is <\/span>fun<\/span><\/i>. And if you do enjoy it, why stop yourself from doing it?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if other aspects of your normal routine may budge, such as diet or frequency, taking time out to exercise is a great way to refresh your mind. What\u2019s more, eating amazing food feels even better when you\u2019ve garnered the appetite through exercise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Use the calories to build some muscle<\/b><\/h3>\n

If muscle growth is a goal for you, Christmas can be used as an opportunity. <\/span>Building muscle mass<\/b><\/a> requires an excess of calories. By opting to put those calories towards fuelling your workouts and aiding recovery, the more likely you are to gain a pound or two of muscle rather than fat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A consideration out of your control here is that gym opening times can be a bit sketchy. Even so, dust off home workouts you mastered during lockdown and re-discover the power of the press-up. Need some new ideas? Our ambassador Joe Delaney can help you out with his expert <\/span>home chest workout<\/b><\/a>. All you need is a stable chair, some books and a backpack.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n