Here is just a snippet of what the article will look like for Fitness First’s ClickFit and the magazine:
Take control of your social events
Donna Miller is a trainer and the director of SCALE PT (strength, conditioning and lean eating). She specialises in building lean muscle mass.
“My clients often complain they have little control over the food that’s available at festive events,” she said to ClickFit. “My advice is to exercise and control and delegate when you are arranging your own get-togethers and barbecues. Tell your guests which plates of healthy goodies you’d like them to bring to make for a healthier feast.”
Donna also recommends organising games and team sports in the park, so you don’t end up sitting all day. “Getting out is an opportunity for activity and also means you obtain valuable vitamin D,” she says.
If you feel full and bloated after a big meal, Donna suggests that a 15 minute walk is just the ticket for easing digestion. “A walk will improve your breathing and circulation, and help excretion eventually,” she says. “And your mind will be more alert.”
Don’t lose momentum
As time can be short when the social whirl is underway, Donna recommends shorter, high-intensity workouts of around 35 minutes, punctuated with intervals. “Head to the beach if you can,” she says. “There is usually a playground nearby with benches for step-ups and other equipment you can use for pull-ups and dips. You can also run in soft sand or in the surf using water resistance. And then you can reward yourself with a refreshing swim at the end!”
Above all, Donna stresses the importance of committing to sessions with a training buddy or a trainer during the break. “Xmas is just one day,” she says. “Book in some training for the days following so you don’t lose momentum. Be motivated by the idea of looking good for the New Year.”
Finally, she advises her clients to set themselves a fitness goal to tackle straight after the New Year celebrations are over. “Don’t plan to fail through the holiday period,” she says. “Stay committed to your fitness and you will reap the rewards of a great start to a fantastic new year.” Not to mention the improved possibility of maintaining a healthy weight throughout 2012 and beyond.
