8 Tips For Sticking To Cheer Fitness This Holiday Season

As a cheerleader, you are probably in fantastic shape from the intense practice and training sessions that you started way back over summer break. Even as disciplined as you are, though, you probably won’t be immune to big holiday meals, desserts and leftovers…and the guilt that comes after eating them. The holidays are a busy time for everyone, and it is tempting to abandon your fitness routine – but we are here to help you plan and stay motivated! After all, we’re in the heart of the cheerleading competition season and you’ll still have your cheerleading uniform to fit into after the holidays! First, make sure you have a plan! Develop a personal fitness routine – and I’m not talking about what you already do for cheerleading! Make your own fitness goals during break and stick to them. Well…that’s easier said than done isn’t it? That’s where the second part of this blog comes in. Here are 8 tips to help you stick to your plan: 1.) Pair up. Committing to a routine with someone else will hold you accountable for your actions, and keep you from turning your alarm off and staying in bed! 2.) Portion control. Don’t completely deny yourself a slice of the feast, desserts and other holiday goodies. It’s all about portions – allow yourself to indulge a little bit and you’ll be less likely to splurge or fall off track completely. 3.) Adapt to the season. Don’t let the winter blues turn you into a hibernating bear! Take advantage of what the colder weather has to offer, like sledding, ice skating and skiing – all of which count as exercise! Or, mix up your exercise routine by incorporating your chores. Raking leaves and shoveling snow will give your arms an intense workout! 4.) Get creative. If you just can’t get into the season’s natural offerings, come up with a routine that can be done at your house. Make space for a cardio workout, create your own “track’ through your house and walk it for 20 minutes. Get your family or roommates involved to make it more fun. 5.) Cheat! Give yourself a little room for error! It is okay to skip a workout, or eat an extra cookie, once in a while – as long as it doesn’t become the norm for you. If you feel bad about cheating, just amp up your next workout by walking a little longer, or doing a few extra push ups or sit ups. 6.) Pop in a cheerleading video. Use one of your old videos, or find cheerleading routines on YouTube to watch. There is nothing like seeing yourself or other people doing what you love to motivate you to stay committed to your fitness goals. 7.) Hydrate with water. Continue using water as a means to hydrate, burn fat and, as an added bonus, curb your appetite. Drink a large glass of water about a half hour before dinner. Being dehydrated can make you think you are hungry, which could lead to overeating. 8.) Slow down. Eating slowly will also help you avoid overeating. When you slow down, you give your brain a chance to communicate that it is full. Counting how many times you chew each bite takes all the fun out of eating, so skip that but do try to chew slowly and finish eat bite completely before taking another bite. Using one or more of these tips should help you weather the holiday season with your fitness in tact! Don’t forget – stress can lead to overeating, so try to keep your holiday schedule and shopping list organized. If you find yourself struggling to balance your time, try to cut something other than your workout, or combine two activities. You can throw on your best walking shoes and head out to the stores to do your Christmas shopping! The thing to remember is that you want to avoid adding more to your plate, and you want to avoid cutting out your daily exercise.