Why Fitness Shouldn’t be Seasonal

With the holidays approaching us as a society seem to forget about our health during the last two months of the year. You’ll notice the gyms thinning out, the parking lots are so empty you almost think they’re closed. Excuses seem to flow like water, and we justify being lazy. Some refer to this time as the bulking season, but if the bulk is in the belly what good does that do?

Notoriously, supplement sales are the lowest during the holidays, and I’ve always assumed it was because we use the extra money on presents and to cover the extra costs in groceries. I can understand how this is logical, and as an athlete I believe supplements are a luxury, a necessary luxury nonetheless. I budget the necessities into my monthly allowances because I know that I need to keep up my strength and endurance. Why do we stop going to the gym though? I feel that if I pay for something I’m going to get the most out of it, so I’m that guy that is in gym on every major holiday because of my inner drive, and my desire not to let the local gym get away with not seeing me every day! I’m a firm believer in muscle memory, but it seems absurd to me to stop training, and then I would have to make up the holidays in January and February to get back to where I already am by March. That seems like a total waste of time for a little turkey, ham, and pie.

Here is what I would suggest to stay on track during the holiday seasons. Generally other influences in our lives determine what we’re doing during this time. So let’s say you need to work the typical 9-5, then you have family obligations after that; Ideally, if you get a lunch break try to squeeze in a 25-35 minute workout where you target the major muscle groups in the upper body and lower body twice a week. That way you can keep good blood flow and stimulation to the muscle while reducing the intensity. If you don’t get a dedicate lunch break try to head to work an hour early each day, and train before you clock in. Even if you can only do this three times a week you won’t lose much progress in your typical routine, and you will continue to look exceptionally well in your seasonal sweaters.

Remember that if you have friends and family members that lead an active lifestyle supplements are fantastic gifts, and stocking stuffers. I know I would love a box of Muscle Sandwiches for Christmas, just resting comfortably under my tree. Just be careful giving out diet pills to loved ones, it might be taken wrong, and you might end up with egg nog dripping down your head onto your seasonal sweater. Happy Holidays, and stay active and fit!