The holiday season is here. We get busier than ever with work and school ending for the year. Our calendars start filling up with lunches with friends, Christmas parties, and the never-ending job of Christmas shopping.

It’s easy to miss a few sessions in the pool or the ocean because we’re too tired from a big night out or we’ve simply run out of time.

On top of this, there’s every chance our motivation is lacking because we want to have fun and enjoy this time with friends and family, however, it’s important to keep our training on track so we can come out the other side feeling fantastic! 

Here are our top tips to stay on track with your health and fitness this holiday season. 

1. Plan

Around this time of year, we all know our schedules can be filled with long days at work, shopping and Christmas and New Year’s parties. 

The best way to stay on top of everything and fit in your daily swim is to plan. 

At the start of the week plan everything out; work, shopping trips, Christmas parties and your training.

Work out when the best time of the day is to fit in a swim whether that be the morning, lunchtime or at night.

Tip: First thing in the morning is almost always best because once you’ve banked your training, you don’t have to worry about getting caught up and missing it later in the day.

2. Get moving

If you can’t fit your daily swim in make sure you get moving every day.

This can be as simple as going for a walk with family or even around the shops, having a body surf at the beach or doing some light bodyweight exercises at home.

Just remember it’s ok if you miss your regular swim session a couple of times throughout the holiday season but moving your body every day can help keep your training on track throughout this period.

Check out OceanFit’s blog ‘4 steps to better body surfing’ to level up your body surfing skills.

3. Load up on veggies

It’s easy to overindulge in sweets, drinks and yummy Christmas food over the holiday period but this can easily derail your training and make you feel crappy.

You can still indulge in all your favourite sweet treats and Christmas roasts but try and make a conscious effort to add more salad and vegetables to your plate instead of pilling on the stuffing and rum balls.

4. Find a balance

You may have an ocean swim you’ve been working hard towards, and you’ll want to stay on track with your training throughout the holiday season to accomplish that goal, however, it’s important not to stress over missing a swim session or indulging in a sweet treat or a sneaky glass of wine or two. 

Enjoy this joyful and magical time with your friends and family and find a happy balance.

5. Mix up your training

It’s easy to lose motivation over the holiday period, you might be stuck in a rut or prefer to take the easiest option.

Try mixing up your training to keep yourself on track and enjoying your swims. 

Go for an ocean swim rather than the pool, or vice versa. Try a different location to your usual swim or maybe even switch up your regular swim group and find another one to join for a swim or two.

You can even try adding different skills into your session; kick, sprints, dolphin dives or maybe a long-distance swim.

Check out OceanFit’s courses for ways to mix up your training.