How festive season training routines help you maintain momentum without burnout
December is a whirlwind of social commitments, travel, and delicious indulgences. While taking time to rest and recharge is essential for body and mind, the festive season can derail your fitness routine and stall your progress without the right approach.
With the right mindset and a focus on small, realistic morning habits, you can maintain structure, energy, and motivation without sabotaging your well-being. The key to staying on track when life gets busy is about consistently showing up, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Find your festive fit
While sleeping in is top of the holiday agenda, the reality is that December is usually a busy time.
Starting your day with a solid morning routine ensures you get your training done early and keeps your progress on track, no matter how the rest of the day pans out.
Planning is the for holiday fitness success and is the secret weapon for consistency. Treat your training like any other important holiday priority and schedule it for the morning.
- Prep your gear: Lay out your training clothes and water bottle the night before. Removing small obstacles makes the morning decision easier.
- Alternative options: If you’re travelling, research local gym short-term contracts, download a bodyweight training app, or pack compact aids like resistance bands.
When time is scarce, swap lengthy gym sessions for short, effective morning micro workouts.
These highly efficient bursts of activity are perfect for busy holiday mornings and excellent for maintaining structure and energy.
- Quick circuits: Focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It’s time-efficient, burns serious calories, and is great for cardiovascular health. A 10-minute circuit with 2-3 compound bodyweight exercises (like squats, push-ups, and planks) is a powerful start.
- Get active: Soak up the holiday destination by planning your morning activity based on what’s around you. Take a brisk power walk to the corner coffee shop along the beachfront or up a mountain path to get your legs moving and fill your lungs with fresh air. If you’re at the coast, go for a paddle, or some stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding for your morning cardio and enjoy the sunrise.
- Mobility and movement: A 15-minute yoga or deep stretching session is a great way to ease into your day while benefiting from mobility work to benefit body and mind.
What you put in your body around your training session matters for energy and motivation.
- Light pre-training fuel: A light breakfast that is quick and easy to make is the ideal way to fuel your morning activity. Biogen Creamy Rice Energy Meal is an ideal, quick, balanced pre-workout breakfast. Add half a banana or a small handful of nuts before your training session to give you the energy you need to power through your workout or activity, especially if it’s going to be intense.
- Energise: Boost your natural energy and focus with added support from Biogen Vitamin B Complex Boost Fizzy. It supports energy-yielding metabolism and healthy nerve function to enhance mental and physical performance – the perfect combo to start your day.
- Hydrate: Staying hydrated is crucial during the festive season. Drink a large glass of water when you wake up, and continue to sip throughout your workout. Consider adding a sachet of Biogen Revitalyte powder if you plan on being active outdoors in the heat.
Be flexible
Remember to be flexible. It’s okay if your morning routine looks different from day to day while on holiday. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Beyond your planned workouts, support your energy and vitality with mindful eating. While you should enjoy some holiday feasting, practice moderation. Make smart nutrition choices by filling up on colourful fruits and vegetables before going to parties.
By focusing on a consistent morning routine during the holiday, embracing micro workouts, and planning for flexibility, you can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest without sacrificing your fitness goals. Hit the ground running come the New Year, not recovering from lost ground!
