by David Aaron White

Created on: November 10, 2009

Christmas doesn't have to interrupt your usual exercise routine because no holiday has to interrupt your usual exercise routine. Sure, you'll probably eat more than you usually do, might even drink a bit more just because you want to celebrate, but it's still completely possible to maintain your workout because Christmas is just one day out of the year. Does your birthday interrupt your usual exercise routine? Fourth of July? The best way to keep up your workout during Christmas is to just not think about it, for if you start treating the holiday like an inconvenience, not only will you miss out on the fun, but you'll also stress yourself out.

If you don't have the misfortune of having to cook your Christmas dinner, then you're in luck. You might have time during the day, after everyone's opened their presents, to get away for a quick workout. After all, do you spend every hour of Christmas with family and friends? Well, it'd be a good idea, but if you're extremely dedicated to your workout, you can afford to miss some time with them; in fact, if you're very worried about missing your workout but want to spend time with your loved ones, then you should wake up early to do your workout.

You can always incorporate exercise into a family activity. For example, say your family likes to play football when it gathers for Christmas; this is a perfect way to exercise and spend time with them. This is a great way to kill two birds with one stone; however, your usual exercise routine might not consist of a football game, but if it makes you sweat, then it's better than nothing. During the holidays, the tiny details of your workout shouldn't matter. Burning calories and staying in shape is what's important, and if you need to play with your family and friends for one day to make that happen, then you can make it happen.

Christmas could also be a great time to introduce family members into your workout routine. If you have a cousin, brother, or sister visiting who also has an interest in fitness, then you can ask him or her to come along with you during your workout; in fact, he or she might even appreciate having someone else to work out with. I usually work out alone, unless I'm in the weight room on campus, but I always welcome a family member who wants to join in. It's a bonding experience that allows me to go about my normal day without any interruptions.

Simply put: other than the presents and disproportional time spent with family as opposed to watching television, Christmas is a day just like any other. There is no real reason why it should disrupt your exercise routine. Besides, it's only one day; if you miss one workout, you won't gain twenty pounds or lose all of your muscle. Just take it easy and see if you can go about your usual workout during the day; I can almost guarantee that you will.

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