Winter break…a time for students to finally relax and catch up on much needed sleep. It is also a time that most people find themselves on the couch for the entire day watching their favorite Netflix show, because they just don’t want to do anything else. There is much satisfaction in the idea of doing nothing, and for people who are usually very active, it can be hard to make yourself want to workout when you are so comfortable at home. Here are some easy tips to help you stay motivated while also enjoying your vacation!
Go shopping; buy awesome workout clothes!
If you love shopping, it is a great idea to scout out some new workout clothes that you can put to good use. Athleta, Nike, and Fabletics are great stores that you can find cute active wear at. Plus, most stores have deals going on since winter break falls around the holidays, which you should definitely take advantage of! Wearing a workout outfit that you feel confident in will motivate you to show them off at the gym. The more you want to wear them, the longer and harder your workout will be.
When you wake up, throw on your favorite workout outfit:
If you plan on working out, but know that the longer you wait in the day, the less likely you will be to make it to the gym, throw on your go-to workout outfit right after you wake up. Wearing workout clothes will get you in the “workout mood” and motivate you to make it to the gym because you are already dressed for it.
Eat a healthy breakfast to energize you for your day:
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so take advantage of that! For protein, I personally love peanut butter on whole wheat toast topped with sliced banana. However, there are endless healthy options. An egg-white omelet with vegetables and a side of fresh fruit is also another delicious choice. The goal is that you want your breakfast to energize you for your day!
Shorten your couch time and lengthen your outside time:
Yes, it is totally okay to relax on your couch and enjoy your favorite Netflix show. However, don’t fall into the trap of staying on that couch all day long. If you live in a cold weather place, it may be hard to feel motivated to get outside. However, you can make it fun! Go on a walk or a bike ride with a friend around your neighborhood. Take advantage of the snow and go sledding. There are so many ways to stay active that don’t necessarily involve going to the gym.
Make plans to workout with friends:
It is likely that your friends are home and bored as well, so it could be nice to get some people together and all go to a workout class. Make plans to go to the gym on a certain day and specific time with your friends and then go to lunch or coffee afterwards. This could be a really nice way to catch up while also motivating each other to stay active. In addition, you can ask your local gym if there is a student or group discount for the gym or workout classes!
Set realistic goals:
If you know that you won’t have the energy to go to a kickboxing class or boot camp, sign up for a yoga class instead. Yoga is a great workout and a way to de-stress. If you know that you won’t have the time to make it to the gym, download fitness apps or follow YouTube videos and do these workouts at home!
There are so many creative ways that you can stay fit and get yourself moving over break. All you have to do is dedicate a small portion of your day to staying active and stick to these easy ways to motivate yourself!
COVER PHOTO:Beautiful Lands
About Talia Berman
When she’s not writing for The Crescent, Talia Berman plays goalie for Tulane Women’s Soccer. Talia is a fitness guru from New York, and she studies Psychology and Communications.
When she’s not writing for The Crescent, Talia Berman plays goalie for Tulane Women’s Soccer. Talia is a fitness guru from New York, and she studies Psychology and Communications.
