Pre Holiday Habits

A December Exercise Plan

I’ve always been a proponent of having multiple exercise options at hand. Routines to fit all sorts of modes and realities in my life so that when there is freezing rain or I’m deeply tired or most commonly – I feel the pressure to just stay home and get stuff done – there are enough choices so that in all these cases I can still manage to exercise. In some form. (Because if I can’t then who can? I’m in a Pilates studio all day after all!).

Between walking a lot (no car) and regular short bursts of Pilates I do get regular movement. But as every research study tells us, greater intensity, variety and cardio are usually critical factors in a full wellness program.

I was thinking about this as a did the most hateful of my routines yesterday which involves the elliptical and rowing machines, the treadmill and TRX. I actually quite like TRX workouts but the others are tedious (if you feel like time passes too quickly as we so often bemoan then spend 15 mins on a treadmill – it feels like an eternity). What I do love is the after feeling. Nothing feels as energizing and stress reducing as having done this cardio – weight mix.

Some days though I just can’t make myself do it and I need a cushier option.

So I’ve created a TRX – Pilates mix that I truly enjoy. Part of the appeal is that it can be done in one of the cozier studios at the YMCA and I I can mix and match my favourite TRX exercises and a 10 lb weight series with Pilates while throwing a BOSU series into the mix. This workout doesn’t replace the cardio but it is always something I can psyche myself up for.

(Before you’re too impressed with my YMCA attendance, you should know that the Y is a 5 minute walk from home. So really not that impressive).

Now if this all seems needlessly obsessive and you effortlessly succeed in reaching your fitness goals without obsessive planning you can stop reading. Though I expect you already have.

The idea of a pre set series is to lessen decision making and free up the brain. It adds to the appeal of the workout if I don’t have to decide what to do.

• have short workout options available.
• have enjoyable workout options available.
• pre set a series so that it’s decision free beyond the plan to do it.
• remember that I’ll be more productive post workout.
• take advantage of the moments of inspiration from a mini workout to add in a quick HIIT workout.

I also try to remember that this isn’t a self induced punishment – it’s about making life easier in January and finding balance when possible to better enjoy the season.

Laura Helsel
Pilates Process Director
writer, presenter
Franklin Method® Educator