The Christmas holidays are upon us and let’s face it, this time tends to be more about how much food we can eat than how much we can exercise. But is doesn’t have to be that way! Before you tuck into your office dinners, alcoholic beverages and triple chocolate cakes – plan your workouts. Need some tips? Here’s our do’s and don’ts for keeping fit during the naughtiest time of the year.

Do

Stick to your commitments. If you normally get up at the crack of dawn – keep doing it! Getting up for those early morning workouts will keep you refreshed for the day ahead, plus you will already work off your dinner before you’ve even eaten it. Bonus.  Don’t forget to check the newsletter for Christmas inspired workouts this season!

Don’t

Don’t start slacking. We all know when it starts getting gloomy outside, our motivation to travel for workouts diminishes. But deep down we also know we’ll feel 10x better after we sweat it out. So if you’re treating yourself to scrumptious treats this time of year – make it to that workout. Period.

Do

Find your park paradise. During December/January many gyms will close their doors for the Christmas period. So instead of crying over your favourite class, find a nice park and walk off your Christmas dinner in the icy air. Heck – you could even persuade the whole family to join.

Don’t

Don’t beat yourself down if you’re eating more and not working out as much. This will only decrease your motivation for the classes that you can attend. Having dinners with your friends and family are things to celebrate not regret, so don’t hold back.

Do

Plan ahead. This goes for your meals as well as your workouts. Pinterest is brimming with healthy dishes that fit nicely on every festive dinner table. Dutch classic snacks like ‘oliebollen’ can also be made with spelt flour and choco mousse from avocados (yes, really). Also, plan your workouts for the upcoming two weeks in the app. But don’t forget to treat yourself in between, perhaps with an overly large slice of apple pie? Yum.

Don’t

Resist the urge to fall into a lazy slump. Although it’s super tempting to stuff yourself silly and then fall asleep on the sofa all afternoon; you’ll probably wake up more tired than before. So keep active, even if it’s just taking the dog for a walk. It’ll boost your digestion and prevent the dreaded after dinner dip.

Do

Now the most important piece of advice: enjoy the holidays. Nothing is more important than spending time with your close ones and feasting. Don’t worry about any extra pounds and make time for some exercise when you can. Merry Christmas!