What a year it has been! From conquering Mt. Kenya to standing tall on Kilimanjaro, I’ve literally been on top of the world—twice! But as we slide into the holiday season, I can already hear the seductive whispers of samosas, sodas, and all the treats threatening to undo a year of hard work. Sound familiar?
The festive season doesn’t mean your sneakers should gather dust—think of them as your secret weapon against all that Christmas indulgence. Here are some practical tips that might be helpful as the festive season checks in.
Set Realistic Goals.
In the spirit of Christmas, let’s agree on one thing—unless you’ll be hanging out at the beach, this is not the season to aim for washboard abs. I mean, have you seen a Kenyan Christmas table? Chapati piles higher than Mount Longonot, nyama choma sizzling everywhere, aunties armed with extra servings of pilau and ugali, and uncles confidently strolling in with crates of beer and bottles of whisky. Instead of setting yourself up for frustration by vowing to lose weight in December (good luck saying no to your grandma’s mandazis and your uncle’s “one for the road”), focus on maintaining your current fitness level. Treat yourself, but remember, moderation is the gift you give your future self. So, let’s toast to achievable goals—like fitting into your January clothes without needing a tailor!
Stay Active.
A walk to church or to the marketplace is a good place to start. I love to do a morning walk to scout out where the neighbors are roasting their nyama choma. You could do the same (just don’t forget to actually walk back). If you’re feeling adventurous, organize a family hike; nothing bonds people like climbing hills and complaining together. And when the party starts, don’t just sit there guarding the buffet—hit the dance floor! Whether it’s shaking a leg to Benga beats or attempting that viral TikTok routine your niece insists you try, every move counts. Bonus: you’ll burn off some calories and avoid getting dragged into washing the dishes!
The holidays are like a well-decorated obstacle course for fitness enthusiasts: packed schedules, endless feasts, and a side of guilt. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to trade in your gains for gravy! With a little planning, a touch of discipline, and some holiday cheer, you can enjoy the season to its fullest while staying fit and fabulous.
Feel Fitness.
Mindful Eating
Festive feasting doesn’t have to derail your health goals if you master the art of smart eating. First, never arrive at a party on an empty stomach—it’s like walking into a matatu with free Wi-Fi; you’ll overindulge without a second thought! Grab a healthy snack before heading out, so you’re not tempted to pile your plate sky-high. When serving, think sample, not safari rally: take small portions, savor every bite, and put your fork down between mouthfuls. Stay hydrated—reach for water instead of soda or those sugary cocktails (your liver will thank you). And remember, your plate isn’t the only thing that should be balanced—your choices should be too. Enjoy the pilau, but pair it with some salad. Treat yourself, but don’t let December’s indulgence become January’s regret!
Prioritize Your Sleep and Recovery.
The holiday season has a way of turning nights into marathons—one moment, it’s dinner, and before you know it, you’re arguing about who the real GOAT is at 3 a.m. But even as you enjoy the festivities, don’t forget that your body needs its beauty sleep to keep up with all the fun. Set a reasonable curfew for some nights, and make sleep a non-negotiable part of your schedule (yes, even if you’re hosting). If a late night is unavoidable, sneak in a power nap during the day—it’s like charging your phone before a long trip. Keep caffeine and heavy meals in check before bedtime to help you unwind. And don’t forget to stretch or do some light yoga to relax after all that mingling. After all, you can’t fully enjoy the season if you’re running on empty!
Plan Ahead.
The festive season may be full of surprises, but your fitness routine doesn’t have to be one of them! A little planning goes a long way in ensuring your workouts don’t take a holiday too. Start by looking at your schedule and penciling in short, effective workouts that fit around your plans. Whether it’s a 20-minute bodyweight circuit before breakfast, a jog around your holiday destination, or a quick stretch session while waiting for nyama choma to grill, you can squeeze in some movement anywhere. Pack resistance bands or a skipping rope if you’re traveling, and have a few go-to workouts you can do even in a small space. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. Think of your workouts as energy boosters that help you tackle the festivities with your A-game!
Guilt Free Indulgences.
Just like Father Christmas chuckles “Ho! Ho! Ho!” guilt-free after snacking on cookies, you too can enjoy your holiday treats without remorse. The key is balance—go ahead and savor that slice of cake or extra helping of chapati, but pair it with lighter, nutrient-rich meals throughout the day. Think of it as treating yourself, not cheating on your goals. And remember, the holidays are about joy, not food guilt! Enjoy every bite, but don’t let one indulgence snowball into a week-long binge. If you slip, laugh it off like Santa would, and get back on track with your next meal or workout. After all, the festive spirit includes being kind—to yourself, too!
Connect Socially Through Fitness.
This holiday season, why not turn your gatherings into active adventures? Instead of sitting around debating who makes the best chapatis, organize a family sports day with fun games like sack races, tug-of-war, or a friendly football match. Not only will everyone get moving, but it’s also a great way to create hilarious memories (and maybe discover who’s secretly been training for these moments all year). If you’re hosting friends, throw in a group fitness session—imagine dancing to Kenyan classics or trying a beginner-friendly yoga flow together. Fitness doesn’t have to be a solo act; make it part of the celebrations and enjoy bonding while breaking a sweat!
The holidays are a time to enjoy life’s little indulgences, but it’s also a time to maintain that joy and balance in your health. Remember, fitness doesn’t stop just because the celebrations start. Share your goals, your wins, and even your holiday fitness struggles with me—let’s stay accountable together!
Coach Philip.
Happy Holidays.
As we wrap up 2024, take a moment to celebrate the progress you’ve made on your fitness journey—whether it’s climbing mountains, both literally and figuratively, or simply staying consistent with your workouts. The holidays are a time to enjoy life’s little indulgences, but it’s also a time to maintain that joy and balance in your health. Remember, fitness doesn’t stop just because the celebrations start. Share your goals, your wins, and even your holiday fitness struggles with me—let’s stay accountable together!
Finish 2024 strong and start 2025 ready to conquer even bigger goals. Here’s to enjoying the holidays with energy, laughter, and a whole lot of movement!