NOVA student Olivia Wikstrom (Journalism and PR) gets fitness pointers from Athletic Trainer Najeeb Baha at the Alexandria campus Fitness Center. Photo by Kama Storie

The holidays come every year whether we like it or not. Big events and delicious food are what bring our families together each year, and the memories made are to last a lifetime. But instead of fearing the holidays and worrying about whether or not you’ll still be able to fit into your skinny jeans (which are already too tight) Here are some tips that will get you off the couch and into the gym while, of course, avoiding the dreadful holiday weight gain.

Start small: If you are thinking about getting back into working out or if you have never worked out in your life, starting small is the best way to approach your new lifestyle in fitness. A lot of people think that when you work out it should be intense, but that’s not the case — especially when you are first starting out. The last thing you want is an injury or complete exhaustion that leaves you unmotivated to work out again. Take it slow, and make it fun. Maybe start with a brisk walk with your dog or a bike ride at sunset. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but with each exercise and workout your body is changing and becoming stronger and more cardiovascular. Don’t be embarrassed to start small. Remember, we all have to start somewhere.

Set Goals and reward yourself: A wise man once said: Always write down your goals because then you are more likely to achieve them. I couldn’t agree with this more. Grab an old notebook to write down what you expect from your workouts, and make realistic goals for yourself. It is very important to have short-term goals and long-term goals. For example, maybe you are looking to lose a few pounds, instead of making your only goal to lose 20 pounds. Make small goals that you would like to achieve on the way whether it’s eating healthier or increasing your workout durations. With that, write down what you will reward yourself if you achieve that goal. It could be something small such as that cute shirt you saw at the mall or something bigger like those concert tickets you want. Rewarding yourself helps motivate you to stick with it, and you will be proud of how far you’ve come when you look back at all you have accomplished.

Change things up as much as possible: When it comes to working out, don’t ever be afraid to try something different. Trying different things such as a Zumba class, a cycling class or even a yoga class will keep you more motivated and focused than it would to run on a treadmill every day. Working out isn’t supposed to be a chore; it should be something that you do for yourself to make you feel better and gain a new sense of confidence. Exercise is a great outlet from all the things that stress us out in our lives.

NOVA student Olivia Wikstrom (Journalism and PR) gets fitness pointers from Athletic Trainer Najeeb Baha at the Alexandria campus Fitness Center. Photo by Kama Storie

Get a workout buddy: Workout buddies are the key to holding yourself and your partner accountable. Studies show that when you work out with someone, you’re prone to exerting more effort into your workout than you would if you were by yourself. Workout buddies are also great if the gym seems intimidating at times. We have all been there — walking into the gym and seeing people lift heavy things can be pretty scary at first and may leave you feeling self-conscience. But with your workout buddy, you and your partner can encourage each other and make the whole gym experience more comfortable and fun.

With these tips, you will find that keeping the weight off during the holiday season won’t be as hard as you think it will be. So instead of the dreaded weigh-in after the New Year, and the weird dance we do to make ourselves squeeze into our jeans, you can tell the holidays to bring it, because with a plan of action and hard work in the gym, we can keep the pounds off as well as gain a new sense of confidence.

By: NOVA Fortnightly Staff

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