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7 Ways to Squeeze in a Workout Over the Holidays
Written by
Elizabeth Grimsley
The holidays are usually a time of high stress with busy schedules and that means your motivation to do anything active is at an all time low. But it doesn't have to be that way. If you're looking to stay active during the hectic holidays—or at least not let yourself go too much—there are plenty of simple ways to squeeze in a workout before the turkey hits the table, after the big family feast or even during the madness of holiday shopping.
Family Bike Ride
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If you have family visiting from out of town, what better way to show them around the city than on two wheels? Even if they didn't bring their bikes, more and more cities are adopting bike share programs, making it easy to explore in the saddle. Plus, an added perk of the holiday season is that there's often a lot less traffic on the roads, meaning safer conditions for cyclists.
Run a Turkey Trot
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While running and cyclists famously go together like oil and vinegar, Turkey Trots can actually be enjoyable if you approach them as a fun holiday activity instead of a serious exercise session. Turn it into a friendly competition with your siblings, an opportunity to catch-up with your parents or just see it as an excuse to get active before digging into all the food later that day. Plus, when mixed, oil and vinegar do make a pretty good salad dressing, after all.
Indoor Trainer Workout
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Rather than spending all that time kitting up, doing your pre-ride checks and getting your bike ready before setting out for a four-hour ride, why not squeeze in a fast at-home workout while the rest of your family is taking a post-turkey nap? A well-stocked pain cave and a little pre-planning can give you a solid workout in less than half the time.
High Intensity Interval Training
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Another great way to get your sweat on over the holidays without sitting in the saddle for four hours is a quick HIIT workout. Plus, when it's cold outside, the last thing you want to do is get fully kitted up and experience the frost and snow on your bike when you could be in a climate-controlled gym, right?
Circuit Training
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We all know strength training is an essential part of cycling to improve speed, power and overall performance. When cold weather keeps you inside this season, circuit training is a great way to mix up your routine—especially if you don't have the time for a full Zwift workout. Plus, the beauty of circuit workouts is that you can do as many or as few rounds as you want, depending on how much time you have and how intense you want your workout to be.
Go Black Friday Shopping
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Hear us out on this one. While the madness of Black Friday might not exactly be your thing, there's no doubt that walking through stores, lifting shopping bags and elbowing your way to the latest crazy deal all day will burn some serious calories. Wouldn't it be great to rack up a few million steps (give or take) after eating your weight in turkey and dressing the day before? Skip the escalators and head for the stairs for an added level of effort.
Find:
Your Next RideFamily Flag Football
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It's tradition in many families to take the football outdoors on Thanksgiving and Christmas instead of, or in between, watching the pros do it on TV. A friendly game of flag football is just the cure for post-turkey laziness. Plus, the winner gets bragging rights for the whole year, so choose your team wisely.