Stay in shape over the holidays

Usually, everyone is in relaxation and enjoyment mood during the Yuletide and New Year. There are always social events like office Christmas parties, nights out with friends and dinner with extended family members to attend. Most of this time is spent indulging in sweet treats, fizzy drinks, alcoholic beverages and heavy meals. You say, “I’ll be ok, I’ll just have one more spoon of auntie’s jollof rice, or another piece of her fried chicken which she makes with her special pepper spice.

Ah…she made this cake for us, we can’t allow it to go to waste, I’ll just have one more slice of it with its delicious butter cream icing…”. There will always be temptations, but in the veracious voice of your local neighbourhood pastor, “The devil is a liar!” and here are three tips to keep his lies away:

1. Set realistic goals and keep reminders visible: Goal setting is the number one way to stay motivated. CEOs, coaches, mentors, mothers of young children set goals for the conduct of their charges every day so why not use this to stay in shape? Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation. It focuses your mind on things that are important and helps you to organise all thoughts and actions to reach your target.

By setting realistic, clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in achieving them and you’ll see progress in what may previously have seemed a long pointless mission. Reaching the target you set for yourself increases self-confidence, and you will recognize your ability and competence in achieving what you set out to do. If your goal is to be able to fit into those pair of jeans that no longer zip up when you put them on, find a photo of yourself in them and remember how it made you feel.

Hang it up by your mirror to have a daily reminder of why you are not going to overindulge this Christmas. Visual reminders are a great way to stay motivated.

2. Get support: Once you have that clear and specific goal in your head, it is time to stay on track.

Get motivation, tips and encouragement from friends and family who are on your side, stay away from those people asking you “why do you bother?” and replace them with people who say “Well done, go for it!” People who speak positivity into your life are the ones that you need. Support can also be found with friends that would like to join you on your quest for eating healthy and feeling great – a buddy.

It’s great to be able to speak to people on the same journey as you and be able to share mini-goals that have been reached, lift each other up when motivation is low with upbeat conversations, and celebrate with them when you can finally fit into those jeans! All are great ways to help you stay motivated and keep those kilos from adding up.

3. Exercise! It’s the prevention and cure for almost all things! It’s free, easy to do, and has positive immediate and long-term effects. Research shows that physical activity boosts self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia, heart disease and stroke. As most people will be out of the office over the Holiday period, this is the time to get the family out and about and a chance to be active! Come to a Pilates class, go for a family walk/jog/cycle around where you live. Make sure you stay hydrated and avoid long period exposure to the sun.

As families will be spending more time in the church, when it is time for praise and worship, make sure you dance ‘well well’ too! Inactivity is described by the Department of Health as a ‘silent killer’ with emerging evidence that sedentary behaviour, such as sitting or lying down for long periods, is bad for your health. So put on the latest album from your favourite musician, turn the music up loud and dance from beginning to end and make sure you sweat! Let’s make the start of January 2025 a healthy and happy one. Happy Holidays everyone!

Serene Strength Pilates will be happy to help and support you in meeting your health and wellness goals for 2025. Book here for a session

#newyearnewme #pilates #fitness #wellness #motivation