Ah, the holidays—the season of joy, family gatherings, and... endless trays of cookies tempting you at every. single. turn.
Between jam-packed schedules, the cold Minnesota weather, and all that delicious holiday food, it’s no wonder staying motivated to exercise can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry! You’re not alone, and the Marshall Area YMCA is here to help you stay active and feeling your best during the holiday season with some things that are worth scrapping your windshield for.
Some Holiday Hurdles
Let’s be real: the holiday season is BUSY. Between shopping for gifts, attending work and school events, and making enough mashed potatoes to feed a small army, it’s easy to push our well-being to the back burner. Some common challenges we might face include:
- Shorter and colder days: When the sun sets before 5 PM, so does your motivation to leave the couch.
- All the yummy food: Who can resist Grandma’s famous pumpkin pie or the 10 pounds of lefse at the church bake sale
- Schedule overload: When your to-do list is so long you have to check it more than twice, finding time for a workout can feel impossible.
How to Stay Motivated
Don’t let these challenges throw you off track! With a little planning and a sprinkle of holiday spirit, you can stay active—and dare we say—enjoy it. Here are a few ideas to help you crush your fitness goals this season:
1. Join a Group Exercise Class
From yoga to BODYPUMP, our group exercise classes are completely free for members and are an awesome way to keep moving. Plus, working out with others can help you stay accountable and make exercising feel less like a chore. Grab a friend (or make a new one!) and get your holiday groove on. If you don't feel like group exercise classes fit in to your busy schedule, don't worry! Les Mills Virtual at the YMCA allows you to get in a great workout on your schedule.
2. Try Something New
Switching up your routine can make working out exciting again. Why not challenge yourself with a game of pickleball or dive into the pool for a few laps? Feeling adventurous? Give BOGAFiT a try—it’s like yoga, but on a floating mat in the water. Not only is it a great workout, but you’ll also have a blast trying not to tip over!
3. Get a Personal Trainer
Struggling to stay motivated on your own? Let our personal trainers do the heavy lifting (planning-wise, at least). They’ll create a personalized workout routine that fits your goals and busy holiday schedule. Having someone cheering you on makes a world of difference!
4. Be Kind to Yourself and Celebrate Your Wins
During this season of giving and thankfulness, we put extra effort in to be kind to others, but we also have to remember to be kind to ourselves. Skipped a workout? Ate one (or ten) too many sugar cookies? It’s OK! The holidays are about balance and joy. Instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, celebrate the small victories—like making it to a class or choosing veggies over chips at dinner. Progress, not perfection, is what counts.
Ready to roll? Stop by the Marshall Area YMCA YMCA today, and let’s make this holiday season your healthiest one yet!