Trying to stay motivated to maintain your fitness regimen and make healthy food choices during the holidays can feel almost impossible.
Your schedule is busier, so it is harder to get to the gym. There are sugar cookies and candy canes on every platter at work and at home. Meals have become bigger and richer. The wine is flowing — and maybe the beer too.
What is a person to do?
A holiday challenge is just the program you need to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. A holiday challenge helps you stay accountable to your instructor, to your friends in the challenge, and most importantly, to yourself.
In this article, you will learn what a holiday challenge is, why a challenge is so important to do during the holiday season, and how you can join a program.
What is a holiday fitness challenge?
A holiday fitness challenge is a specially-timed fitness protocol held surrounding a holiday. The purpose is to engage and motivate a group of people to stay accountable to themselves and their health goals during a set period of time.
Participants in a challenge follow a prescribed workout plan and often a meal plan, as well. They meet with their instructor(s) and fellow “fitness challengers” throughout the week to exercise and share their progress.
This approach builds accountability, camaraderie, and inspiration — all key aspects to having a successful holiday season.
Why start a fitness challenge during the holidays when life is so crazy?
The crazy holiday season is the easiest time to tackle a health challenge. It requires you to be present, accountable, and take responsibility for your time. This allows you to stay on track and not face a downhill slide during a busy time.
Grabbing friends to join in on the fun will only make you more accountable for your challenge. Knowing you’ll be with friends ensures that you’ll have even more fun while sweating together.
How does a fitness challenge help people maintain a healthy weight and a consistent exercise routine during the holidays?
The holidays are a time when it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the “extras” offered — parties, drinks, dinners, etc. Having a challenge allows you to schedule your workouts as mandatory aspects of your day.
When there is a challenge to adhere to, you can feel better about maintaining a healthy balance during the holidays because of the workouts, food choices, and the agreement you’ve entered.
How can you stick with a holiday fitness challenge?
Sign up with friends! Having others to keep you accountable is one of the easiest ways to coerce yourself into a workout when you might otherwise be swayed to skip it.
Try something new — an exciting challenge of something out of your comfort zone might spark an entire new interest. Are you a cardio fiend? Then try a strength-based challenge and see how your running gets stronger through cross-training!
Fitness challenges at the Paseo Club
The Paseo Club is regularly thinking up fun and clever ways to keep its members on track while having a great time. Currently, there are two holiday challenges available.
12 Days of Fitness
During the month of December, all club members have a chance to participate in completing a card of 12 different workout options at the club to win a free holiday visor. This challenge includes visits to a spin class, a yoga or mat Pilates class, and several “choose your own” options to pick your favorite weekly workouts.
Holiday Hustle
The Holiday Hustle is a collaboration between the Paseo Club and Plate Therapy. It is designed for those who want to stay on track following Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Participants will enjoy the benefits of the two companies, keeping you accountable and avoiding temptation. Use the healthy, easy, and tasty meal options from Plate Therapy. Simultaneously, you attend small group training workouts with the Paseo Club.
With this two-for-one option, everyone will find it easy to battle the holiday bulge!
How to get started on your holiday fitness challenge
If you are ready to have a group of friends and experienced instructors by your side to support you in making healthy choices during the holidays, then a holiday fitness challenge is for you!
There are a few steps to help you be prepared to start a challenge.
- Hydrate before exercising
- Wear close-fitting clothes that wick sweat
- Dressing in layers to keep your muscles warm
- Communicate to your instructor(s) if you have any injuries or limitations
- Make sure to organize your schedule so that you can have consistent class attendance
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley. It is situated on eight acres and offers tennis, pickleball, gym, and pool facilities. There are over 60 group classes to choose from each week.
Members can also enjoy the cafe, the spa, and several social events throughout the month.
If you think a fitness facility that values health, wellness, and community is a good fit for you, then you should check out the Paseo Club. Tours are available daily, so you can check out the grounds and meet instructors and staff.
To learn more about health and wellness, check out these three articles.
- The 8 best relaxation techniques
- The 7 steps for optimum nutrition while training
- Cardio vs Strength Training (and which is the best for you)
Topics: