CHRISTMAS TIPS FROM THE CREW

There is so much advice out there about how to tackle the holiday season stress-free and guilt-free.

Have a question? Throw it in Google and you are bound to get an answer, probably many and if you search long enough you will likely find the answer you want.

Like most things, there are many "ways to skin a carrot". It is not often you find one idea or piece of advice that suits everyone. So, we asked some of the crew at Central Fitness what their best piece of advice was for their members, clients, friends, family and readers.

Consider this article your Google search engine, keep reading and you are bound to find some advice that will suit you.

Cromwell Coordinator Lorey & her partner Isaac

Lorey's Advice

As the year wraps up, I want you to think about what the last 12 months and what they looked like for you… Then try doing the opposite.

If your year felt non-stop and busy, let this season be your chance to slow right down. Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and breathe., say “no” a little more often, and let your body and mind recover.

If your year felt slow or lazy, use the holidays to shake things up. Try something new, get outdoors, book an experience, or set a small challenge to remind yourself what you’re capable of. Sometimes a little movement is all you need to reset your momentum.

Christmas is a great time to reflect, but it’s also a great time to reset.

New year, new you....right?

Picton Coach David & Fiance Vicky enjoying a Winter Christmas

David's Advice

"Training is all about your mindset throughout the year much like the holiday season. So during this holiday season don’t be afraid to have a cheat day, spend time with family / friends and enjoy that good food you know you want.

"Just remember that’s no excuse to not train and continue to stay on track with your goals!

"If you’re struggling to find that balance I’m here to help and just one message away"

Central Fitness Director Jonny

Jonny's Advice

"This is your time to chill. Ironically, a lot of us get stressed out at holiday time. So, lock this in your head. It's chill time baby!

Running late for a get together, someone cuts you off while driving, burnt the Christmas turkey... meh! It doesn't matter. What does matter is that you make some time for your friends, your family, and yourself.

We are very lucky to have what we have. So deep breath, take it all in, and chill.

Temuka Coordinator Shane & Instructor Megan

Shane & Megan's Advice

"Remember when you want to make a change in your behaviour for the new year, stick to these 4 simple building blocks

1. Make it obvious - keep your routine as specific as possible (so you don't need huge motivation to keep it)

2. Make it attractive / enjoyable - train with a friend, choose fun things.

3. Make it easy - start with things that don't feel too straining.

4. Make it satisfying - small goals achieved each session / week and reward yourself after completing a step (no matter how small you may think it is).

"Merry Christmas, enjoy your festive season, make a plan for the new year and as always, we are here to help."

Central Fitness Director Alex

Alex's Advice.

"Christmas is a time we associate with giving. Thanks to marketing and consumerism most of us frantically storm the shops on a mission to purchase physical gifts. Often brand new, likely over our budget and most of them risky, will the person even like it?

"We want to challenge you this Christmas. By all means, continue that tradition of giving but try do it a little differently this year.

🎁 Is there something you can re gift that will be well received?

🎁 Can you purchase your gifts from a second hand store?

🎁 Have you considered making your gift?

🎁 Take them on an experience

🎁 A great idea is purchasing or making consumables (food and drink)

"One year I bought a second had dinning room chair. I sanded it back, painted it and re reupholster it. This was for a friend I knew would appreciate the recycling & love it.

"One year, my sister bought the family all experiences. Mine was an entry into a triathlon in the town she lived of course. For Dad it was a motorcycle hire, which they did together. For the bro, it was a dance lesson with a prestigious coach. These gifts were such a fab idea!"

Chrissy's Advice

This Christmas is all about noticing the good stuff! The people around you, the laughs and the food you love 🥰

Keep moving when you can, enjoy your favourite treats and let go of the pressure to be perfect.

A little gratitude each day goes a long way. It keeps you centered, positive and feeling strong in and out of the gym.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a season filled with joy!

Picton Coordinator & Coach Glenn

My best advice over the Xmas holidays is to try and stay consistent without having a total blowout on naughty foods and/or drinks, so swing into the gym daily if you're sticking around Picton. If you're away, go for a walk, do a max set of push ups or plank challenge with friends and family members to help maintain your levels of fitness whilst keeping it fun.

It is important to enjoy the holiday season and spending time with those you care about, but at the same time it's always in your best interest to not undo all of the hard work you've been putting in at the gym, by over-indulging in the foods and drinks that add fast CM's to our waistlines.