In case you missed it, the Holidays have officially arrived. Stores are decked out in festive decorations, the Christmas lights are going up and those holiday party invites are starting to pile up. Yes, that means time to shop, but it also means time to start planning your fitness strategy. Scheduling your workouts in advance is key, but it’s not the only way to beat holiday weight gain. For more tips, I went to Aaron Ryan, Fitness Director at Core Concepts Personal Training, Mountainside Fitness Chandler. The 31-year-old has been in the fitness industry 6 years and loves helping clients reach their goals: “Health and fitness was a logical choice for a career because it helped me overcome injuries and get back to doing the things I loved in life,” says Ryan. Here, he shares his holiday fit tips, despite crazy holiday schedules
Trainer Q&A: Aaron Ryan, Fitness Director at Core Concepts Personal Training, Mountainside Fitness Chandler
Q: How can I fit fitness into my hectic holiday schedule?
A: Let’s face it; many of us will not see the New Year’s ball drop without missing a few workouts or tackling a second helping of a holiday favorite. Making it into 2014 with as little damage as possible will help us all achieve our goals for next year and beyond. Keep a schedule similar to your normal workout schedule and allow yourself a few days off to enjoy the holiday events guilt free. If you’ll be in the company of family, get them involved: Football at the park, a friendly soccer match or a 5k run/walk will keep the kids from getting bored and allow you to maintain the physical activities you’re used to. Engaging in physical activity as a family can become a tradition that’s as fun as the holidays themselves. And let us not forget there is no better reason to escape the in-laws than going to the gym or hitting the trails. One way or another, incorporating fitness into your holiday plans will pay itself off, unlike the new video game console that the kids just had to have.
