TIPS FOR XMAS WORKOUTS

So we all know how hard it is to keep up with the training over Christmas. Excuses creep into your head like "Im going to be stuffing myself full of chocolates and turkey so whats the point in exercising" and "I'll start again properly in the new year" etc etc.

This is all well and good and having a break from training, especially if you put a lot of effort into your sessions and go hard, is actually not a bad idea as it will give the body time to recover properly. But do you really want to stop exercising completely? You know how hard it is going to be to get going again!

So here are a few tips for getting the most out of the 'down' time over the holidays:

1) Try and get to the gym (or train outside) at least twice a week for the next two weeks. This will keep your eye in and the routine that you have done so well to build up will still be there.

2) Dont follow your normal plan or session. Do something completely different and do whatever you feel like doing. If you always run on the treadmill, run outside round the block. If you always lift heavy weights, lighten the load but increase the reps. Try and mix it up.

3) Dont have any preconceived ideas about what you want to achieve. Dont plan to set any new records. Just go in and enjoy being in the gym. Sometimes we can forget to enjoy actually being in the moment and feeling our bodies as they workout. I know it always feels good afterwards but try and enjoy the actual training!

4) Take a little longer stretching before and after training. For lots of people this is their weakest area so leave aside 10 minutes of good strecthing pre-workout and 15-20 minutes post-workout.

5) Just have fun! Break out of the normal routine you follow. Its easy to get in a rut. Look on the internet, get some new exercises and go try them out (remember to ask any of the trainers for a hand if you are unsure how to do them)

By doing some or all of the things above you will fly through the Christmas period feeling great and you wont get lethargic and out of the habit of visiting the gym. Yes, we are all going to eat a lot more than perhaps we normally do (if you cant sit down in front of the TV and polish off a box of chocolates on christmas day then when can you!) but by popping down to the gym a few times and training light you will be ready come the new year to hit a training plan with enthusiasm! Not trudging through the first few weeks trying to get back into it.

Hope this helps and have a great Christmas!