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Writer's pictureJess Takimoto

Fitness & the Holidays: How to Make This Season Stress-Free & Positive






Summary


Introduction

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful, celebratory time—but when it comes to fitness, food, and body image, this season can often feel more stressful than fun. With all the pressure to look a certain way, stick to a perfect routine, or avoid “bad” foods, it can be tough to find balance.


But what if this year could be different? What if, instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you could enjoy the holidays without the drama and guilt, while still feeling great about your body and your health? In this post, I’m sharing the best tips for navigating fitness and the holidays in a way that’s positive, stress-free, and empowering—so you can focus on enjoying the season instead of feeling caught in the fitness frenzy.


Tip 1: Go In With a Plan

It sounds simple, but trust me—having a plan is key. Whether you’re taking a break, staying consistent, or even dialing up your workouts, a plan takes the guesswork out of the equation and eliminates the stress of “should I, shouldn’t I” every day.

Here’s how you can approach it:


  • If you want a break: Let’s face it, life is busy during the holidays, and sometimes it’s okay to let your body rest. For recreational exercisers, it’s actually healthy to take a break. One week of consistent training equals one day of full rest, so if you’ve been working out consistently for months, don’t feel guilty about taking a few days or even a full week off.


  • If you want to stay consistent: You can still keep active without stressing about perfection. Aim for three to four workouts a week—nothing too intense, just enough to keep you moving and energized. Consider these workouts as your “you” time amidst the holiday hustle.


  • If you want to challenge yourself: If you’ve got some extra time on your hands over the holidays, this could be a great time to amp up your fitness routine. Try adding an extra day to your week or challenge yourself to new activities—just remember to still listen to your body and prioritize rest when needed.


Having a plan allows you to take control of your fitness, and you can stick to it without feeling anxious or overburdened.


And here’s my pro tip—don’t end your plan on December 31st. Extend it until the first week of January so that you’re not scrambling with a new year’s resolution on top of the holiday chaos.


Tip 2: Same Circumstances, Different Experience

The holidays can bring up all sorts of triggers, especially if you’re surrounded by family and friends who don’t have the healthiest relationship with fitness, food, or body image. There might be comments about losing weight, burning off calories, or “cheat days” that make you feel uncomfortable or insecure.


So how do you deal with this? You have the power to choose how you respond. Ask yourself: How do I want to experience this situation? Instead of feeling triggered or having arguments, you can decide to respond differently.


This is about understanding that others’ comments reflect their own beliefs, not yours. If someone makes a comment about a food choice or your body, recognize it for what it is—someone else’s opinion based on their experiences. It’s not a reflection of you, so don’t take it personally. Instead, let it roll off you and keep enjoying the holidays on your own terms.


Tip 3: Be Kinder to Yourself

This is something I can’t stress enough—give yourself some grace. The holidays aren’t about perfection; they’re about creating memories, connecting with loved ones, and enjoying the little moments. So, if you’re not following your exact routine or you indulge in a few extra treats, it’s okay!


Let yourself have fun. Enjoy that hot cocoa, that extra slice of pie, or whatever it is that brings you joy. And don’t forget to enjoy your workouts too. Find a routine that makes you happy, whether it’s a dance class, a walk with family, or a workout at SHINE FIT. It’s not about restriction, it’s about balance.


The holidays are about enjoying life, not about rigid rules or self-criticism. If you can make peace with that, this will be your best holiday season yet.


Conclusion

Fitness during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re taking a break, staying active, or finding a new way to challenge yourself, the key is to approach it with a healthy mindset and a plan. And when those inevitable comments come up, remember that you can control your reaction and choose to stay focused on your own health and happiness.


So, go ahead—take a deep breath, enjoy the holidays, and be kind to yourself. You’ve got this.


If you want a supportive community to help you stay on track, whether online or in-person, I’d love to chat about how SHINE FIT can help you achieve your fitness goals.


Just send me a message, and let’s make this holiday season stress-free and fun!

Happy holidays from SHINE FIT!


Ready to start your transformation? Click here to book your free intro session today!

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