Christmas has been and gone, but that doesn’t mean it’s left us with nothing…  For the majority of us, we’ve got something to show around the middle.  It’s time to start thinking about improving our fitness.

‘Tis truly the season for burning the candle at both ends. Combine this seasonal gluttony with the stress and expectation that Christmas can entail and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm for a big self-esteem dip.

But help is at hand thanks to our resident fitness guru, George.

Give yourself a post Christmas break.

This is meant in almost every sense of the word.

So you ate that entire box of match-sticks. So you’ve had three turkey sandwiches and it’s not even brunch time. It’s not the end of the world. Punishing yourself mentally for not following a strict macro diet is a major waste of energy and time. Time that could be spent enjoying time with family and friends.

Try to be conscious with your decisions around food – if you find yourself really wanting that chocolate orange, you go girl. There’s plenty of time in 2018 to fix up and look sharp.

Get as much rest as you can

For the majority of us nowadays, there is simply no off button. You work long hours, socialise long hours, and don’t sleep enough hors.

Over the holidays, when offices and gyms alike are closed for a few days, give yourself the chance to catch up on some much needed REM. This is particularly important if you’ve got a punishing gym or exercise regime back in the real world.

Remember, sleep is energy for both your body and brain.  If you’re feeling ambitious, you might even be able to get back into a regular sleep pattern. Nothing feels better than actually getting eight hours of sleep and it makes a big difference to your fitness levels.

Get outdoors

This is a multi-purpose piece of advice.

Firstly, it’ll get you gently active and mobile. After a few days spent slouching on the sofa will serve to boost your mood and your metabolism. Open green spaces and woodlands in particular are proven to be good for their stress busting qualities. But a walk to the local playground would do it.

Secondly, Christmas is a stressful time of year for many people, so do what you can to take some time for you. You know your Aunt Jeanie isn’t going to stop getting on your last nerve any time soon, so up you get.

Get planning your fitness routine

This is a naturally reflective time of year, as we look back on what took place and look forward to what might be next.

I’m not one for “new year, new you,” at all. But if there’s a part of your life you feel could be brushed up, why not take this time to dig a little deeper? Don’t forget to look at what you’re pleased with too!

Is there a runner in you that didn’t see the light of day in 2017?

Is there a leader in you at work that’s looking for a new opportunity?

This little break can be a significant time. A break where we work out where it is we’re at and where it is we want to be. Use it to your advantage.

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for a fitness win!

If you’re really just after a lung busting bit of workout, high intensity training is the method of the moment. In 20 minutes you could have dusted the cobwebs away, energising both mind and body.

If you’ve been inactive for a few days, make sure to perform a good warm up. The format is 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off. The work/rest time ration can be increased or decreased, dependant upon your fitness levels.

Squats, sprints, press ups and planks. Those are 4 great exercises to perform – with the focus still on form, despite the limited time. Aim to perform one exercise after the after, so one round is 4 minutes long. Aim for 4-6 rounds in total.

Then it’s straight back to the sofa, right?

Got any of your own fitness tips for the post-festive battle of the bulge? Comment below or tweet us @Gaydar!