Last week we talked about planning ahead, especially with the holidays around the corner, so that they don’t sneak up on you and your health takes a back seat to the festivities.
When life gets busy, it may be a good idea to maintain your health and fitness rather than push for peak performance. Striving for maintenance is a sustainable middle ground that allows you to keep your progress steady, without going to extremes or giving up on your routine altogether. Let’s dive into what “maintaining” looks like in your health and fitness journey during the holidays.
1. Fitness: Keep the Routine Going
Maintaining in fitness means keeping up with your workout routine, though maybe at a slightly reduced level. You might train 1-2 days less than usual some weeks, but it’s all about hitting your minimum threshold to keep up your strength and endurance. The focus isn’t on pushing new limits but on keeping up with a schedule that works for you during busy times. This way, you avoid setbacks without putting too much strain on your time or energy. We recommend keeping strength days a priority when time is limited and getting outside for walks when possible.
2. Nutrition: Aim for Consistency, Not Perfection
Eating well during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to obsess over every meal. You might let go of some of the strict quality standards, but you’re still aiming for healthy habits: eating your proper portion sizes, slowing down while you eat, and stopping at about 80% fullness. It’s about being mindful, not rigid, so you stay on track without overindulging or completely ignoring nutrition goals. You aren’t always in control of what’s on the table during the holiday season, but you can control what goes on your plate and how you eat it! Bonus tip: if you don’t like something, you don’t have to finish it… even if it’s Aunt So-and-so’s signature dish!
3. Recovery: Prioritize Rest
Recovery is just as important in maintenance mode. Sleep remains a top priority, even if you’re more flexible with your bedtime now and then. You’re still focusing on activities that help you recharge, like stretching or light movement, but you’re also allowing for time with family and friends, or a few indulgent meals, without guilt. By keeping a steady focus on recovery, you protect yourself from burnout and give yourself the energy to bounce back to a full routine later.
The goal of maintaining isn’t to chase new personal bests or go to extremes attempting to stay where you are. It’s about finding a rhythm that keeps you engaged in your fitness, nutrition, and recovery practices without overwhelming your schedule. By finding this balance, you’re able to keep steady progress without having to choose between personal goals and social or family time.
So this week, do you need to plan ahead by focusing on maintaining? Or do you have 2-3 more weeks to push it hard before you go into a maintenance season?
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