Well, here we are! December has arrived! The nights are drawing in, the temperature has plummeted, and Christmas is most definitely coming.
This time of year brings with it the temptation to hibernate, the opportunity to indulge, and probably some disruption to routine. But while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with cozy sofa snuggles, mince pies, and stepping-up the number of social gatherings, it’s important to try to stay consistent with your training, and here’s why:
Sticking to your schedule prevents mental overload
When it’s colder and darker, and life gets more demanding, self care becomes all the more important – and exercise should remain an essential part of that.
A busy festive period is obviously fun, but being overwhelmed isn’t! And having your beloved routine disrupted by parties, gatherings, and get-togethers can feel like you’re spreading yourself a little thin, so making a bit of time to look after for yourself at the gym is a great way to restore balance.
Remember that your schedule can be adapted, too. A quick lunchtime workout to replace a skipped morning session while you recover from your hangover is just as valuable!
December workouts take the pressure off at New Year
What if you actually felt your strongest/fittest/most healthy through December? Imagine how much you’d enjoy your sessions, and how much more motivated you’d be into the New Year.
Instead of dreading making the inevitable resolutions to “get back into” exercise after a Christmas-hiatus, you’d be ending the year more positively with a sprint-finish, plus you’d be getting a head start on your 2024 goals! Go, you!
Being around like-minded people feels amazing
Getting to the gym in December keeps you amongst others who are in the same boat as you.
We’re all busy, we’re all squeezing extra commitments into our diaries, and we’re all juggling more on the countdown to the Big Day. But we’re also all doing our best to make the WODs and keep active. For every member who needs a friendly face and a pick-me-up, there’s one bursting with festive cheer, ready to share the joy. Not all social occasions at Christmas have to involve mince pies and mulled wine, you know!
Remember: It’s definitely ok to take a break!
Don’t think of your December sessions as punishment for enjoying yourself – coming to CFDW should be something to look forward to, not dread – but as a reward for juggling all the other tasks this time of year throws your way. Having said that, if you do need to take a step back to gather yourself and tick some things off your To Do List, that’s perfectly acceptable! Think how much better your next class will be if you’re better rested!