Is it important to train during the holidays?

Should I keep training during the holidays?

When the holidays arrive, many of us wonder if we should keep training or take a complete break. The answer depends on your personal goals, but maintaining some physical activity during this period has great benefits for both your health and overall well-being. In this article, we explore why it is important to keep training during the holidays and how to do it effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

Benefits of training during holidays

1. You maintain the habit

Habits are hard to build but very easy to lose. If you take a long break during the holidays, it could be difficult for you to resume your routine when you return. Maintaining a basic level of training helps you avoid that setback and prepares you to come back strong when you return to your usual routine.

2. You counteract excesses

Holidays are often synonymous with indulgence: higher-calorie meals, desserts, and celebrations. Training during this period helps you balance those excesses and maintain a calorie balance, burning some of the extra calories you might consume.

3. You improve your mood

Holidays can also generate tension, whether due to preparations, travel, or family gatherings. Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin, known as the “happiness hormones”, which help reduce stress and improve your mood.

4. You avoid setbacks in your progress

If you have been working hard on your strength, endurance, or agility, a break that is too long could make you lose some of those gains. Staying active ensures that, at least, you keep what you have already earned and don’t have to start from scratch when you return.

5. You increase metabolic efficiency

Exercise not only burns calories while you do it, but it also activates your metabolism to keep working even at rest. This is especially useful during holidays, when heavy meals and sweets are common.

Tips for training during holidays

Staying active does not mean spending hours at the gym. With some simple strategies, you can integrate exercise into your holiday routine without giving up rest and fun.

1. Dedicate 30 minutes a day

You don’t need to train for hours. With just half an hour of moderate exercise, you can stay in shape and feel good. Some recommended activities include:

• Walking or jogging outdoors.
• Jumping rope.
• Doing HIIT routines (high-intensity interval training).
• Having a boxing session with a bag or shadow exercises.

2. Incorporate strength training

Strength is essential to maintain muscle mass and an active metabolism. If you don’t have access to a gym, use your own body weight. Exercises like squats, push-ups, planks, and lunges are excellent options you can do anywhere.

3. Take advantage of local activities

If you are traveling, look for ways to stay active while exploring your destination. Hiking, bike rides, swimming, or even water sports can be fun and effective options.

4. Practice stretching or yoga

Yoga and stretching not only improve your flexibility but also relieve accumulated tension and promote relaxation. You can dedicate 10 or 15 minutes a day to mobilize your body and keep your joints healthy.

5. Adjust your expectations

Remember that it’s not about training with the same intensity as in your usual routine, but about staying active. Listen to your body and adjust your workouts according to your energy level and circumstances.

What happens if I decide to rest completely?

Taking a few days off can also be beneficial, especially if you have been training intensely for a long time. A recovery period can help you avoid burnout and come back more motivated. However, try not to prolong this break too much to avoid losing the habit and physical condition.

Conclusion

Training during the holidays does not mean depriving yourself of rest or enjoyment. On the contrary, integrating some physical activity into your days off can improve your well-being, help you manage excesses, and keep your goals on track. Also, exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and connect with yourself. So don’t hesitate! Be flexible, adapt your workouts, and enjoy an active and healthy holiday.