How to Get Back on the Wagon After Christmas
The festive season is over. It's time to head back to work - if you're anything like us, feeling half a stone heavier and a whole lot slower!
If you want to get back on the wagon after a heavy few weeks, here are our best tips to make the transition back to fitness as smooth as possible:
Make Small Changes
If you've indulged way more than you intended over Christmas, it's tempting to go super strict with your diet to compensate. This isn't usually necessary, and could lead to another epic binge if you're not careful.
Focus on making a few small changes this week to set you off in the right direction. January is a long month - you've got plenty of time to dial things back in.
Do What Works For You
In contrast to what we just said, if you know all-or-nothing works for you, do that. If you know going cold turkey will send you into another downward spiral in three weeks, don't.
You know your body better than we do - so do what you know works best. Eat food that makes you feel good, not what the Paleo Police say you should be eating.
If you haven't figured it out yet, try different things and pay attention! Listen to your body. If you try to cut out sugar, but the cravings become unbearable, eat something sweet before you eat ALL the leftover chocolate.
Schedule Your WODs
It's easy to make excuses at this time of the year. If you haven't trained much over Christmas, you've got out of the good habits you built last year - and it's going to take you a while to get back on it.
You're going to feel tired over the next couple of weeks. Know when to push, and when to sack off the box for an early night.
Scheduling your workouts is a good idea. Figure out how many WODs you'll be able to handle this week, and put them in your diary. Keep to these commitments like you would an appointment with your dentist. Show up, and get it done - no matter how much you know it's going to suck.
Prioritise Your Recovery
If you feel like a bit of a mess right now, your body isn't going to heal as fast as it usually does. Don't be the guy (or girl) that goes too hard in the first week back, and then needs two weeks to get over it. Pace yourself, and recover smart.
This is a good time to dial in your recovery, and do all the things you know you should do, but often overlook:
Drink enough water. Get enough sleep. Schedule your rest days, as well as your workouts. Eat well. Take your supplements. Do your mobility.
The faster you can recover, the more WODs your body will be able to cope with - and the faster you'll be able to get back into your usual routine.
Stick With It
The next few weeks might be tough, but stick with it. Remember why it's important to you.
Be kind to yourself. This isn't about punishing yourself for having fun over Christmas. You're human - it's allowed. Instead of focusing on what's already happened, let it go and move on. You have goals to smash this year - and it's time to get started. 💪🏽
