Fitness Column 5 - The Build up to Christmas

December can be a highly stressful month, there is so much to think about; Who you’re going to be spending your Christmas with, what you’re going to provide for food on Christmas day, what gifts to get your loved ones BUT what is important is that we don’t forget OURSELVES.

It’s easy to get consumed in the build up to Christmas but it’s important that we remain active both in our physical routine and in our diet.

Top tips for training with less time;
HIIT Training – set aside 15-20 minutes in your day and have a fast-paced body weight work out. Choose some full body exercises and smash either a 30/30 or 40/20 split (work/rest).
Take the stairs or the longer scenic route. Walk to the shop or park further away and increase your pace, which helps to get the heart rate up a little.

Diet!
We all overindulge at Christmas (it is the unwritten rule of the festive season after all!) but if you’ve got it in the back of your mind that you would like to maintain the progress you’ve made over the year then here’s some tips on achieving this over your Christmas break;
Have a light breakfast – Get yourself started like normal but keep it light if you know you’ll be feasting later in the day.
Keep up with your vitamins – Yes, we feast but we also enjoy our alcohol too! This paired with eating those unhealthy sweets, cakes and foods can impact your immune system in a negative way. Eating fruits, taking multi-vitamins can really help keep your immune system working!
Keep hydrated! – I don’t mean by beer and wine either! Have a glass of water between beverages, your head will thank you for it in the morning! 

All in all, keep active, hydrated and enjoy yourself! 

I hope you have an amazing Christmas and New year, see you all in 2018!