Correct and redirect your path to fitness this holiday season

Although we may have the best intentions to behave during the holidays – staying away from the food table at parties, limiting our alcohol consumption, or making sure we get the right amount of exercise – it’s very rare that we make it all the way through December without fail. Just like any well-made plans, the plan to stay on track through the holidays will most certainly need to be adjusted at some point. The trick is to simply acknowledge the fact that we have strayed from our goals and make the adjustment. Correct the action, and redirect for future times.

I recently went out for a long run with some friends. My intention was to run the entire 14 miles with them. At about mile 10, I was suddenly and brutally hit with the realization that there was no way I would be able to finish the run. My legs just refused to run another step. I was not properly rested, I had had a week of hard workouts, I had not taken in enough of the right calories the day before, and we had gone out too fast. I was tired. I was hungry. Nothing about this run was working in my favor. I was definitely not a good running partner at this point, so out of consideration for my friends (and because I physically couldn’t go any farther!) I changed my plan and decided to cut my run short.

The following week, I gave more thought to the time leading up to my long run. I cut back on the intensity of the preceding workouts. I made sure to eat enough the day before. I set out Gatorade along the route. The time came, I met up with my friends, and we all completed a sixteen-mile run that felt great. I had corrected my mistakes and redirected my actions.

There is certainly a balance that must be reached . . . our fitness goals require persistence and discipline in order to work through the setbacks and succeed. But a bit of honesty with ourselves and realistic acceptance of circumstances must also be present. There will be times when our willpower falters and our tenacity weakens. During the holiday season especially, a bit of leeway must be granted. Remember, the holiday will come to an end – along with the temptations of the season – and when it’s all said and done, correct and redirect to get back on track.

Meredith Nelson, M.Ed, is the owner of PrimeTime Fitness, Inc, on Sullivan’s Island. Offering group fitness classes, PrimeTime Spin, private yoga, personal training, and monthly gym membership, Meredith divides her time between the gym on Sullivan’s Island and limited in-home training here on Daniel Island, where she resides along with her husband and two cats. Meredith can be reached with your fitness questions at 883-0101, or Meredith@primetimefit.net.