The holidays are a whirlwind of parties, family gatherings, and plates of delicious goodies that constantly test your willpower. Throw in travel, shopping, and a jam-packed calendar, and it’s easy for your fitness routine to take a back seat.
But staying on track with your fitness goals doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself. It’s not about perfection, it’s about balance.
With a little planning and some smart strategies—like bringing workout essentials with you on your travels—you can keep your health in check without skipping the pumpkin pie or your favorite traditions.
Let’s dive into some easy, practical tips to help you stay in shape during the holidays and avoid holiday weight gain. You’ve got this!
There’s no rule that says you can’t exercise during the holidays. But if you’ll be traveling, it’s even more important to create a fitness plan. Figure out how and where you’ll exercise while you’re gone, whether it’s outside, at a hotel gym, at a local park, or at your relative’s house.
Pack accordingly and head into the week with realistic expectations. If it’s too cold to exercise outdoors or if working out at your relative’s house isn’t possible, find out if your gym has a branch in the town or city where you’re going.
If your fitness plan includes weight lifting to lose weight or build muscle, pack a pair of weightlifting grips to give you an extra motivational boost. Better yet, grab an extra pair for your favorite cousin or uncle and hit the gym together!
When you’re super hungry before meals, you’re more likely to reach for a handful of cookies or an extra helping of artichoke dip. Keep a stash of healthy snacks with you during the holidays.
Nuts—like almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds—are good options. If you will have access to a refrigerator, low-calorie snacks like baby carrots or edamame are great choices.
Healthy snacks serve double duty by making you less likely to reach for unhealthy foods and putting something in your stomach, so you don’t overindulge at mealtimes.
Having the right tools on hand ensures you’re ready to squeeze in a workout whether you’re at a hotel, visiting family, or simply pressed for time. The key is portability—choose compact, lightweight items that don’t take up much space in your bag.
Here are some essentials:
“If I can’t stick to my full workout routine, why bother at all?” This kind of all-or-nothing thinking can lead to apathy, derailing your progress. Every little bit counts—whether it’s a quick 15-minute bodyweight session, a brisk walk after dinner, or stretching while watching a post-meal game.
Or make exercise a family affair by turning it into quality time together. Organize a friendly game of flag football or basketball or try a festive group activity like ice skating or a holiday-themed fun run. Focus on progress, not perfection, and you’ll feel better physically and mentally.
You’ve heard it a million times, but we’ll say it again. You need to stay hydrated. Dehydration often masquerades as hunger, and alcohol doesn’t help. Whether it’s wine or mixed drinks, alcohol dehydrates you and lowers your inhibitions, making it easier to overindulge.
Staying hydrated can curb unnecessary snacking and help you feel fuller during meals. Drink a full glass of water before every meal and alternate water with alcoholic drinks at parties. This simple habit can help keep your appetite and energy levels in check.
If you’re traveling by car to your family’s home for the holidays, bring a set of dumbbells with you. Work your reps first thing in the morning or as the evenings wind down. You don’t need to go huge. A set of 10-, 15-, or 20-pound weights will do. The idea is to maintain your progress, not blow past your personal best.
If you’re traveling by plane or train, not to worry. All you need is your own body weight for strength training. Pushups, planks, burpees, and squats are all doable even within the confines of Nana's tiny guest bedroom.
The busyness of the holidays can make it easy to forget about your workouts. Set daily reminders on your phone or smart watch to keep exercise top of mind. Whether it’s a gentle nudge to get moving in the morning or a prompt for an evening workout, these reminders can help you prioritize fitness, even on chaotic days.
Pair your reminders with a planned time or activity like a quick bodyweight circuit or a short gym session—so you have no excuses to skip it!
Versa Gripps are the perfect companion to help you maintain your weightlifting routine during the holidays. Whether you’re celebrating at home or traveling to see family, Versa Gripps fit neatly into your travel bag and help you get a better workout.
Designed with custom-engineered non-slip material, Versa Gripps help you grab the bar, so you can focus on executing each move with precision. And with built-in arch support and a quick-release safety feature, these innovative grips reduce your risk of injury.
Set yourself up for success this holiday season and train better with Versa Gripps—for men and women.
