The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. But all that food can sometimes leave you feeling a little sluggish. Depending on what your goals are can depend on how you tackle exercise (or not) after a big meal, like those during the holiday season. First, it’s important to give your body time to digest your food. This means avoiding strenuous activity for a few hours after eating. Once you’re ready, there are a few different workouts you can do depending on your goals. Here are some of the best workouts to do after a holiday meal, depending on your goals.
Cardio
If you are in the middle of training for any type of race, then a big meal like that during the holiday season can be super beneficial to your training. We recommend planning a long run after a holiday meal. The extra carbs can help in the energy you need to tackle more miles.
Low-impact workouts
Low-impact workouts are a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories without putting too much stress on your body. This is a great option for someone who plans to work in rest or low-impact, low-stress movement around the holidays. Some good options include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Pilates
These workouts are all easy on your joints and can be done at your own pace.
High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is a type of workout that involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest. This type of workout can be very effective at burning calories and improving your cardiovascular fitness. These types of workouts are good for a variety of goals, like increasing speed, increasing endurance, and improving overall fitness.
If you’re new to HIIT, start with a few short intervals and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts over time.
Strength Training
Strength training is important for building muscle mass and burning calories. It can also help to improve your metabolism and make you feel more energized. If you are working on building strength or gaining muscle, then hitting a heavy lifting session after a big carb meal can be super beneficial for a workout like this.
Tips for Working Out After a Holiday Meal
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your workouts after a holiday meal:
- Listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired or sore, don’t push yourself too hard.
- Warm up before you start your workout. This will help to prevent injuries.
- Cool down after you finish your workout. This will help your body recover.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating a healthy diet will help you feel your best and give you the energy you need to workout.
- Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a workout. Life happens. Just get back on track as soon as you can.
There’s no need to feel guilty about enjoying the holidays. Just remember to listen to your body, choose healthy workouts that you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to take a break when you need it. With a little effort, you can easily bounce back from your holiday meals and feel your best all season long.
