How to keep fit this festive season

’Tis the season most of us overindulge — too much food and booze — and often there’s also a break from routines that have kept us fit all year. Here’s how to avoid falling off the wagon.

Dolphins Health Precinct personal training and group fitness supervisor Sandra Hegarty. Picture: Dominika Lis

’TIS the season most of us overindulge — too much food and booze — and often there’s also a break from routines that have kept us fit all year.

In just a few weeks, there’s a real risk we can undo the hard work we’ve put in at the gym with work parties, Christmas lunch or dinner, and New Year’s Eve celebrations presenting too much temptation.

Dolphins Health Precinct personal training and group fitness supervisor Sandra Hegarty says it’s common to eat and drink too much at this time of year.

The consequences can be weight gain, loss of fitness and dreadful guilt. It’s generally the same guilt that drives New Year’s resolutions to join a gym and take better care of ourselves.

“We work so hard to get fit coming in to summer and you see it drop very quickly if you stop. It (fitness) is hard to get, easy to lose,” Sandra says.

Dolphins Health Precinct personal training and group fitness supervisor Sandra Hegarty. Picture: Dominika Lis

But with some self-control and a commitment to maintaining exercise routines, it doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion.

“Don’t let anything mess up your routine — you might be horribly hungover, but you still have to come in,” she says.

“What’s hard is going through the door, not what you do in the place (gym).”

Sandra says making that first excuse can be the start of your downfall.

“Schedule that time for yourself. Make that appointment to go to the gym,” she says.

The festive season can be stressful for many — trying to please family and friends, and financial pressure can take their toll. Sandra says continuing to exercise is a great way to keep that stress at bay.

“You can counterbalance the stress of the season and your body will reward you with some good-feeling hormones,” she says.

Most importantly, we need to forgive ourselves if we fall off the wagon, set realistic goals and enjoy everything in moderation.

“There’s too many stresses in life, this shouldn’t be one of them,” Sandra says.

It’s advice she plans to follow, while allowing herself time to enjoy with family and friends.

Dolphins Health Precinct personal training and group fitness supervisor Sandra Hegarty. Picture: Dominika Lis

SURVIVING FESTIVITIES

Sandra shares her top 5 tips to stay on the wagon this festive season

1. Go to the gym — make that appointment and drag yourself there

2. Try not to overindulge in too much food or alcohol

3. Be more forgiving to yourself if you enjoy the festivities too much

4. Try something new when you go to the gym to keep it interesting

5. Try working with a personal trainer at this time of year. It makes you accountable