The Sprightly Spud

In case you haven’t noticed, it appears to be Christmas again – and I am, by no means, mad about it. I The fairy lights are coming down from our attics, Mr Bublé is emerging from his summer hiatus, and we are launching ourself into cosy season at full throttle. I pride myself on powering through at least one Christmas film a day as soon as mid – November hits, and need no excuse to break into the Cadbury’s heroes. But with the chocolatey treats as abundant as snowflakes in a Finnish blizzard at this time of year, should we be trying to keep up with our usual workout routine, or should we be embracing the chance to hibernate in our slippers with a sharing box of Malteasers?

Like the eternal debate as to whether Yorkshire puddings belong on Christmas dinner (yes – there is no meal that would not benefit from the addition of a yorkie pud), this is a question that seems to divide the fitness community into two clear cut categories. However, in reality, could there be a middle ground that allows us to reap the benefits of commitment to our health goals whilst still making as family memories, and enjoying as many festive treats as we can?

Let’s face it, the benefits to maintaining a workout regime throughout the holiday season are relatively transparent. Keeping up with your schedule could mean you hold off any unwanted winter padding, feel generally less slovenly, and get the opportunity to brag at the work’s Christmas party about how you were late because spin class overran. I hate to admit it, but I have my snow shoes firmly planted in this drift. Working out is something I enjoy, and I know I’m generally a more pleasant person if I’m able to get my training in. This means that, if anything, Christmas a chance to be able to do it without having to rush as much! For me, there is nothing more ideal than an intense session, followed by a hot chocolate and a movie on the sofa, but I know I wouldn’t enjoy the second part as much if I hadn’t had a good sweat first.

Despite this, regardless of how committed you usually are to your health and well-being routine, the delights of Christmas will inevitably challenge it, whether this is because of frequent parties, relatives demanding your attention and entertainment or simply the chilly weather. Subsequently, is only natural that you may struggle to stay on your workout grind. Like it or not, in the grand scheme of things, its ok. Having a few weeks of irregular training is not going to hinder your fitness progress in the slightest, but I thought I’d break down the pros and cons of attempting to power through with your standard training plan when the mulled wine begins to flow.

The benefits:

1. The gyms are quiet

If you’re someone who likes to bathe in a sense of superiority, working out over the festive season may be the key to your inner happiness. As you glide through the revolving doors of your local PureGym on December 23rd, you’re likely to be greeted by a sea of vacant cardio machines, neatly ordered dumbells, and all the space to enjoy your functional training your heart could possibly desire. This will undoubtedly make every squat feel that little bit more better. You know your more committed, stronger, fitter than the other members. Enjoy it – and treat yourself to that extra mince pie tonight.

2. It will make January easier

The J – word is a curse that creeps up on all of us much faster than we’d like. Cold days, dark mornings and evenings, the return to work… the list goes on. The majority of these looming horrors are out of our control, but maintaining some level of fitness routine over the holidays may mean that finding a ‘new you’ in the new year is much less intimidating, and much more achievable.

3. You can power through with event training

The extent to which we ‘should’ train over the holidays is likely to vary between individuals. If you are a sprinter preparing for Paris 2024 then taking November 5th – January 1st as time to curl up under a blanket and learn every word to Michael Bublé’s Christmas Essentials probably won’t be the ultimate way to maximise your gold medal chances. Equally if your January goals look more like ‘survive’, then a few weeks off might actually leave you feeling refreshed and ready to attack the new year with a little more gusto.

The flip side:

1. Could there be a trade-off between fitness and family?

Cosy afternoons playing board games, long lazy mornings making fancy breakfasts, strolls around Christmas markets clutching steaming hot chocolates… For many of us, this is a prime opportunity to spend time with family, and make precious memories that will last much longer than any gains made in the gym. If training means we sacrifice this fleeting chance to bond with our loved ones, then is it really worth it? Memories (and chocolate orange matchmakers) over macros all the way.

2. Burnout isn’t a myth

Even consistency can have a downside. Yes, your 455 day training streak is hugely impressive, but in reality it might be time for a rest day or two. If you head out for that run on the 21st of December, into a haze of incessant drizzle, the likely outcome is arriving home with your fingers paralysed from cold, and your toes shivering in your trainers. A change in routine is not always bad. ‘The Holiday’, a hot beveragino, and a box of celebrations sounds like a much better idea in my opinion – Jude Law would agree. All jokes aside, overtraining and burnout is a real thing, and not taking a break sometimes could leave you injured, exhausted and significantly stunt your progress. So, chill, and come back feeling revitalised and with a new passion for training in January.

Finding the middle ground:

As with anything, there is probably a happy medium to be found between complete slothing, and furiously fighting the festivities to continue with your normal gym schedule. Yes, the cliche is real; balance is key. Remaining relatively active, whilst enjoying all the Santa themed bingo, and superbly sugary treats that your heart desires is possible. This holy grail of holiday wellbeing will look completely different for everyone, but if you’re stuck for ideas, here are my suggestions;

1. Get Granny involved

Ok, your usually 6am boxercise session may not be exactly how Nana Pat wants to spend Christmas Eve morning, however there are plenty of ‘workouts’ easily available to us all which the whole family can enjoy, whether this is a Chair – based workout with Joe Wicks’ YouTube, joining in with Auntie Lyn’s usual step aerobics class, or whacking up the volume on Mariah, and going hell for leather on the Christmas disco moves in the living room. Fitness is not limited to bodybuilding, or to the 18-30 demographic. Switch it up and get the whole clan involved in some movement, its almost guaranteed to be a good laugh, and maybe the extra endorphins floating around will help to avoid the annual row with the in-laws!

2. Eat the frog, then the turkey

If you’re daily pilates class is the only alone time you get, and the idea of the kids joining you makes you feel slightly nauseous, then get up and get it done early. Its not a radical concept, but will give you the rest of the day to enjoy quality time with your special ones, and make the most of the activities only available at this time of year.

A note on nutrition;

Life is too short to miss out on all the Christmas goodies. Heroes are too delicious, and cheeseboards are definitely a cultural and educational culinary experience. Being conscious of nutrition over the festive period is fine, but it might be a good opportunity to focus on adding, rather than taking away, when it comes to ‘healthy’ food. For example, go ahead and dig into the yule log – its delicious – but maybe have an apple as well. Don’t hesitate in devouring your turkey dinner, but make sure you eat your annual sprout, and perhaps have some water in addition to your Buck’s Fizz on Christmas morning.

So – the unscientific conclusion seems to be that it’s up to you whether you battle through with the burpees, or opt for festive bottomless brunches instead over the holiday season, and the optimal way to go is likely to be highly dependent on your new year goals, how much you enjoy training, and ultimately whether you can be bothered to downward dog throughout December . Either way, have a very merry Christmas from me.