It’s the holiday season, which is all fun and family until you realize you’ve been doing more Christmas movie watching while stuffing your face with all the cookies and cakes.  

And that is  O.K.

You see, as dancers, we are constantly moving and grooving and living the most active lifestyles – way more active than the average person.  That being said, taking a full 1-2 weeks off of activity during the holidays won’t reverse your entire fitness level, make you a horrible dancer or get you off track.  Rest is important, and the holidays are the perfect time to relax into the time off to de-stress. 

There are small steps you can take everyday during your time off to ensure a smooth transition back to the dance floor.  These holiday fitness tips are easy to incorporate and will give you peace of mind to rest our dancer brains that are always telling us to “do more.”

Try these holiday fitness tips!

1. Find creative, fun ways to move with family and friends.

 Whether that’s hitting the mall for a few laps of shopping or ice skating at the local rink, there are more ways to burn calories that are FUN instead of hours on the treadmill. Plan an activity each day that will get your heart rate up.  It could even be choreographing holiday dances to perform with your cousins…literally anything!

2. Drink lots of water. 

You may be consuming more salty + sweet foods in your diet around the holidays.  Make sure you are drinking adequate amounts of water to flush toxins and keep your digestive system in good shape.

3. Get your stretches, planks + push-ups in. 

Hitting a quick 5 min. stretch and strength routine when you wake up or before you go to bed will keep your muscles flexible and your core strong.  A lot of sitting can equal tightness in the hip flexors and may result in back pain.  Counteract potential for injury by maintaining an abbreviate fitness regimen.

4. Have a plan for when you return to your regular programming.   

The best way to get back on track is to have a plan at the ready.  What will your first week back dancing look like?  Do you have time to restart your normal fitness routine?  

5. Don’t stress!

You work hard year round and deserve some time off.  It’s important to rest and recharge so you’re able to head into the new year fresh and ready to conquer your goals!  Enjoy the holidays with family + friends and don’t put pressure