‘Tis the season to be jolly… and to be faced with many options of sweets and treats to enjoy! I’m all for indulging in moderation, but to avoid weight gain and feeling low-energy during the holidays, I try to offset those extra drinks, desserts, and heavier food than I usually eat by making sure to fit my workouts in. In the spirit of active living throughout the holidays, today I’m sharing a workout that you can do whenever, wherever – no equipment required.
I laughed a little when I titled today’s workout, because I don’t really like when the instructors at this barre studio I take classes at from time to time make comments about ‘working off that drink/dessert/bread you had last night.’ I workout because it makes me feel strong, healthy, and happy, and that’s what I like my focus to be on during exercise – not equaling out a glass of wine that I enjoyed a few hours earlier.
However, while it’s not healthy to obsessively focus on canceling out a particular indulgence with a workout, the fact is that exercising does give you the ability to offset some of those excess calories. I’d much rather enjoy my holiday favorites like red wine and chocolate cream puffs and make sure to squeeze in workouts, rather than deprive myself.
So without further adieu, here is a holiday workout that focuses on basic cardio moves and some core work. It can be done anywhere, and I’m bound to do this workout at my parents’, father-in-law’s or mother-in-law’s houses while I’m back in Jersey for Christmas!
With a quick warm up, cool down, and minimal rest in between circuits, this routine takes me about 40 minutes to complete.
If you’re looking for a new workout to do with a video you can follow along with, I’ve been loving workouts by Natalie Yco. Here are a few of my YouTube favorites of hers, plus a few Jillian Michaels’ DVD workout recommendations:
- 30 Minute Cardio Kickboxing with Jump Rope (I do it without an actual jump rope)
- 33 High Intensity Interval Workout
- Ultimate Fat Burning Cardio Workout – 45 Minutes
- Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30 DVD
- Jillian Michaels’ Yoga Inferno DVD
Looking for other ways to find a healthy balance during the holiday season? Check out some tips I’ve shared here.
Tell me… What’s your favorite holiday season treat? How have you done with keeping up with workouts lately?
I’m with ya! I would MUCH rather be balanced – workout AND enjoy splurges (pretty much daily, let’s be real.) than to just NOT have any of the good stuff.
I’ve really been sticking to consistent workouts now that I’m back with classpass! I needed the change in workouts and it has been keeping me motivated to workout b/c I look forward to different classes, different studios, etc…YOU know what I’m talkin’ about! haha 🙂
Love this workout! Also, very cute graphic! I definitely am with you about working out because it makes me feel great although this time of year I do start to feel a little bit like I need to work out because of all the indulgences. Not that I need to work it off but just to make sure things don’t get out of hand! 🙂
Yes yes yes! I love your approach!! I completely agree… it’s about a healthy balanced! I love what you said, how you workout to feel strong and healthy!! That is definitely the way to do it!! Not out of guilt!
Not so good on the work outs but i went skiing yesterday and sore today.
I totally agree with your mindset! I’m rather eat what I want (in moderation) and make up for it with activity than deny myself.
I’ve definitely been overdoing it with the sweets lately but I’ve been slacking in the workout department because of how busy I’ve been. Also, the cold rainy weather makes me want to hide inside so no-equipment workouts that I can do at home like this are perfect!
Workout looks awesome! I am trying to still get in some workouts and walks with the dog over he holidays…I’m a sucker for Christmas cookies so I’m sure I’ll be indulging in some this week!
I love this workout! I’m usually so good about working out but the last few weeks have been so so busy that I’ve fallen off the wagon a bit. Which I am determined to fix starting with my holiday break!
Have a wonderful holiday friend!!!
I love toffee, and have yet to get a gingerbread man. I need to solve that problem soon.
No holiday treats for me…. So……. No cardio? LOL