SASKATOON – Missing a workout or two over the busy holiday season is not the end of the world if you’ve been consistently active during the year, according to a local personal trainer.
“People are busy with different family obligations and shopping and running around trying to see everyone,” said Jason Weber, the coordinator of the University of Saskatchewan’s Human Performance Centre.
“If something comes up then it’s OK, you can figure out tomorrow, get back on the fitness train as soon as you can kind of thing.”
Planning beforehand is important when it comes to staying fit during the holidays, according to Weber. Many people are off work and may have some extra time on their hands, which he says should be utilized.
“If you could schedule it in earlier in the day there’s less chance of things coming up,” said Weber.
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If holiday preparations eliminate any free time to make it to the gym, improvisation can help make up for a missed session according to personal trainer Valerie Kirk.
“You could be putting the turkey in the oven, do a squat,” said Kirk, who owns Essentially Fitness and has been a trainer for more than 15 years.
“You can be walking from one place to the other, just moving food or whatever, do lunges.”
Once the food finally hits the table, Kirk says the key is moderation, not limitation, especially for those who have emotional eating habits.
“Say yes, but have a portion, small portions,” said Kirk.
“Don’t go out there and eat the whole thing because then you’re going to feel guilty and you’re going to go through this whole rigmarole.”
Kirk also added that a personal trainer can be a good tool to help one navigate their health and activity levels during holiday season. It’s a suggestion Andrea Hala, one of Weber’s clients agrees with.
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