It’s the time of year when many of us struggle with maintaining consistent training routines due to family commitments, foul weather and an abundance of delicious pies. Unless you’re a monk who relishes indoor training, it’s something we all bump up against. Rather than stressing about it, you can use this time of year to make some positive, temporary changes.
EMBRACE THE OFF SEASON
No, you don’t have to get fat. Embracing the offseason is about taking advantage of the downtime between events to learn and do activities we otherwise wouldn’t make time for. Try to pick ones that target a weakness, like yoga for core strength or skiing for power. Always wanted to try nordic skiing? Now’s your chance!
Our bodies get used to the routine of training, and chances are you’ve developed some deficiencies along with that super strength— the holidays are a great time to bring everything back into balance, even if it means (sometimes) letting the weather win.
MAKE A PLAN
You’ve got a big family dinner coming up, and butter rolls are your kryptonite. Sure, some people can run all day on pumpkin pie, but just a glance and you put on five pounds. If you’ve got an event coming up or just like to maintain your race weight, making a plan can mean the difference between falling off the wagon or staying on.
The concept is no different than planning a workout— if you know you're going to want that piece of apple pie, don't overdo it on the stuffing and mashed potatoes. Just remember that it's not an all-or-nothing proposition when it comes to holiday eating— you can indulge without over-indulging.
DONT STRESS
Remember, you’re an athlete. You don't need to eat perfectly all the time to stay in perfectly reasonable shape. The 80/20 rule applies; as long as you have average, or better, insulin sensitivity and you're sticking to a healthy diet 80-percent of the time, you can usually get away with some indulgence.
As you've heard many times before, moderation is key, even when it comes to moderation! The holidays are a time to reconnect with your family, enjoy the snow, and have a few cookies. Your body and mind will thank you for the break come spring.
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