The holiday season is finally here with us. There is shopping to be done, gifts to be wrapped and parties to host. But in all this hullabaloo, are you getting your workouts in or trying to maintain your fitness a tad bit? It’s natural (unacceptable) to put your workouts on hold during the merry season. Starting with Halloween and all the way to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, most people put it off till the feasting season is over, and adding exercise and fitness to a long list of New Year resolutions. This is why Pilates expert – Reza Alavi – who’s also the Founder and Managing Director of Real Pilates, is sharing with us some on-the-go Pilates workouts, in addition to enjoying your holidays and maintaining your fitness routine.

Don’t be Too Hard on Yourself

For many of us who live on this side of the Sahara, jetting off to an exciting winter holiday destination is the definition of a perfect festive season. However, according to Reza, exercise during the holiday season could be challenging, but totally worth it. He mentions that even during the holidays there will be days when you indulge in one too many pieces of cake (or liquid calories) which will make you miss your workouts. “Don’t kick yourself, instead, have some easy to do at home mat Pilates workouts and follow a routine to stay on track.”

Reza’s Tips on Maintaining Routine and Enjoying the Holidays

Schedule your Pilates Workouts Every Day and Make Sure you go!

Early morning workouts are the perfect tactic to ensure that you get your Pilates workouts out of the way. It is so easy for other holiday obligations to interfere with your exercise routine when you wait until the later hours of the day.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables Every Day.

Eating a huge salad filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts before you leave for a holiday dinner party has amazing benefits. It can leave you feeling full and makes it less likely you will overindulge on those Christmas goodies.

Don’t Hang Out at the Food Table During a Party.

We are sure you’ve heard this before but it never hurts to remind you again and again. You are less likely to overindulge if you get a plate and take a walk away from the food table; not around it.

Don’t Drink all your Calories.

Most of us are quite guilty of this. Try to avoid drinks that are high in calories, like- Eggnog, Apple cider, and other Christmas beverages, since these can quickly add to your daily caloric consumption.

Schedule Some of your Excursions to Include a Little Movement

Exercise with the entire family. Take them for a simple Pilates workouts class; take the kids out to the park and involve them in games, etc.

Your at Home Pilates Workouts Moves for the Holiday Season

Swimming Preps

Swimming Prep is an excellent exercise to improve core stability and strengthen shoulder girdle. To begin, kneel down with hands directly under shoulders and knees under the hips, keeping your spine in a neutral position. Reach one arm forward and the opposite leg back, gently engaging the abdominals to keep the spine neutral. Bring yourself back to the initial position and repeat the exercise with opposite hand and leg. Watch for not sinking in the lower back or between the shoulders or rotating the body. Repeat 5-10 times.

Side Kicks

The sidekicks are great for building core stability while strengthening your thighs, especially your glutes. This exercise is not about how far or high you can kick your leg, but how still your body can remain while your legs move freely. To begin, lie on your side with ribs and hips aligned, and bring your legs slightly in front of your body (bend your bottom leg for extra support if needed). Rest your head on your bottom arm and place your top hand on the mat in front of your abs, making sure your shoulders relaxed and stable. Next, raise your top leg to hip level. Keeping your torso stable and muscles around your waist tight, inhale as you flex your foot and swing your leg forward, and exhale as you point your foot and press your leg back. Repeat 8-10 times and then switch sides.

Tricep Dips

The tricep dip uses your body weight to strengthen and tone your triceps, which are very useful muscles needed for everyday functional movements such as lifting yourself out of a chair, getting up from a lying position, and pushing a heavy door. When done correctly, these Pilates workouts will help reduce stubborn underarm jiggle, and can also strengthen your shoulders and improve overall posture. To begin, sit on the floor with your knees bent, and feet and hands flat on the floor with your fingers facing forward. Next, lift your hips off the floor, and slowly and gently bend your elbows directly behind you and as far as comfortable to lower your body, keeping your chest lifted, your shoulders down and abs engaged. Push yourself back up by fully straightening your arms and not just lifting your hips. Repeat 12-20 times.