Not Getting Fat Over the Holidays

So, Gran is making that mac and cheese that makes Christmas dinner the best, and makes your workout shorts a little tighter. Those holiday drinks are loaded with sugar and milk and eggs and Arnold knows what other trash you normally don’t consume. That should be fine though, you have healthy eating habits and a solid workout routine, so you can survive this… Except you’re with family. Not near your gym, or your track (unless you’re one of those families that runs together Christmas morning… Loveable weirdos.) What can be done? We’re glad you asked.

TRX

If money isn’t an issue, a TRX workout system, or something similar can be a boon. Simply attach to a tree, door, or Humvee, and this portable bodyweight system can assist with maintaining a workout plan. They are pricey, and some of the workouts are on an app, though it can be easily stowed in a carryon bag, so consider that part of your purchase. 

Pig Egg

Another ‘good anywhere’ option is the Pig Egg. A sandbag filled with dirt and taped shut, this can be made anywhere dirt is found, provided you carry a sandbag which weighs basically nothing in your luggage. While there have been efforts lately to “church up” the pig egg with condura bags and ‘tactical’ materials, the classics are cheap and effective. Feel free to adjust the reps to match where all that turkey stuffing left you.

Suggested Workout – Sets of 3

20 Overhead Presses 10 Squat Thrusters

10 Burpees 20 Alternating Push Ups

10 Lunges Each Leg 30 Second Overhead Hold

250 Meter Run

The Old-Fashioned Way

If all else fails, just your body will do. A decent bodyweight workout may not feel the same as the weight stack, but at least you can bump up the reps to really break a sweat, and with a lower likelihood of weight dropping injuries. This workout won’t make you a Navy Seal if you aren’t already one, but it’s a step in that direction.

Suggested Workout – Set of 3, For Time

1 Mile Run 25 Burpees

50 Push-Ups 75 Squats

50 Four Count Flutter Kicks 40 Sit-Ups

30 Leg Levers 20 Sitting Toe Touches

10 Slow Crunches

Calorie deficit

You don’t have to starve yourself to get trim, but you're not going to lose any love handles if you’re frequently eating way more calories than you burn on a daily basis. 

“But bodybuilders eat 4000 calories a day!” 

Yeah and how many calories do they burn in comparison when lifting literally all the weights? You do the math. 

That being said, most smartphones have a fitness app to help you track your consumption, your activity level in regards to your body weight and goals. Even a small, healthy change will add up eventually. 

All this dieting and working out doesn't mean you have to completely give up your favorite man-sodas though. Check out our post: Drinking and Fitness: A Practical Guide to help make sure you can still enjoy yourself while getting ready for next summer.