How to Have a FIT December: Don't Wait Until January 1

The key to staying fit in December starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of seeing the holidays as a time to “pause” your fitness, reframe them as an opportunity to stay consistent and maintain progress.

• Focus on balance: Enjoy holiday treats in moderation rather than feeling like you must choose between indulging or depriving yourself.
• Avoid the all-or-nothing trap: One skipped workout or an extra dessert doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Every healthy choice you make still matters.
• Visualize success: Picture how good you’ll feel in January knowing you stayed committed to your health goals during the busiest time of the year.

Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose focus amidst December’s chaos. Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals will keep you on track.

• Example 1: “Work out for at least 20 minutes, five days a week.”
• Example 2: “Drink eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.”
• Example 3: “Maintain my weight through the holidays by balancing treats with exercise.”

Write your goals down and review them weekly to assess your progress.

A structured plan will make it easier to stay active, even with holiday obligations. Here’s how to prepare:

• Schedule workouts like appointments: Block out time for fitness on your calendar, whether it’s a morning yoga session, a quick HIIT workout, or an evening walk.
• Adapt to your environment: Traveling for the holidays? Bring resistance bands, use bodyweight exercises, or follow online workouts to stay active.
• Involve the family: Turn holiday activities into active ones, like ice skating, a family hike, or a fun game of flag football.

Fitness isn’t just about workouts—it’s also about what you fuel your body with. During December, be mindful of your eating habits without missing out on holiday favorites.

• Practice portion control: Use smaller plates and savor each bite to avoid overeating.
• Choose nutrient-rich foods: Prioritize lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains to fuel your workouts and maintain energy.
• Stay hydrated: It’s easy to forget to drink water during colder months, but staying hydrated is essential for recovery and overall health.

Holiday parties can be challenging for fitness goals, but with a little preparation, you can navigate them like a pro.

• Eat before you go: Have a protein-rich snack to avoid overindulging at the buffet.
• Pick your indulgences wisely: Enjoy your favorite holiday treat guilt-free but skip the items you can live without.
• Don’t linger near the food table: Instead, focus on mingling and enjoying the company.

With the colder weather and busier schedules, recovery is more important than ever in December.

• Get enough sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep to allow your body to recover and keep your immune system strong.
• Stretch and foam roll: Combat holiday stress and tight muscles with regular stretching or foam rolling sessions.
• Stay consistent with hydration and electrolytes: Products like CorVive Hydrate can help replenish lost electrolytes, ensuring optimal performance and recovery. Clean, all-natural ingredients make it a smart choice for both parents and athletes.

Rather than waiting for January, use December as a springboard for a healthier new year. Small, consistent actions now can help you hit the ground running when January arrives.

• Celebrate progress, not perfection: Each workout or healthy meal is a step in the right direction.
• Reflect on your wins: As the month progresses, take time to celebrate small victories, whether it’s hitting a workout streak or feeling more energetic.

Fitness doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Enlist friends, family, or even coworkers to join you in your healthy December efforts.

• Start a holiday fitness challenge: Create a friendly competition to encourage movement during the holidays.
• Join fitness classes or groups: Stay motivated by working out in a community setting, whether in-person or online.

This December, ditch the “I’ll start in January” mindset and take charge of your health now. By focusing on mindset, setting goals, and creating a plan, you’ll not only enjoy the holidays but also set the foundation for a strong start to the new year. Remember, every small step counts, and consistency beats perfection. Here’s to a fit and fabulous December!