Introduction

Staying fit during the holiday season can be challenging for anyone, but for fitness coaches, the stakes are even higher. It’s not just about maintaining personal fitness routines; it’s also about helping clients stay on track. 

The festive season often brings disrupted schedules, rich foods, late nights, and social events that can derail even the most dedicated individuals. However, with strategic planning, open communication, and creative approaches, you can assist your clients in keeping their fitness goals in sight without sacrificing the enjoyment of the season. 

Here’s a guide on how to keep your clients on track during the upcoming holiday season.

1. Set Realistic Goals Together

During the holidays, many people find it difficult to stick to their usual fitness routines. Encourage your clients to adjust their goals to be realistic, achievable, and flexible. 

For example, if a client typically works out five days a week, they might aim for just three sessions during the holiday season. Emphasizing consistency over perfection will help them stay motivated and avoid feelings of guilt if they miss a workout.

Setting goals can also be an opportunity to focus on smaller objectives that don’t necessarily involve the gym. Encourage clients to incorporate activities such as:

• Going for walks with family
• Taking a relaxing swim or 
• Participating in winter sports

Remind them that these activities count as physical exercise, too, and can help them stay active without interrupting their holiday plans.

2. Promote Mindful Eating

Food plays a central role in holiday gatherings, and indulgence is often a part of the celebration. Instead of discouraging clients from enjoying these moments, promote mindful eating practices. Encourage them to savor each bite, eat slowly, and listen to their hunger cues. 

Suggest strategies like portion control, choosing healthier options when available, and balancing indulgent meals with lighter ones. Providing clients with simple, healthy recipes for festive dishes can also be beneficial. Share holiday-inspired meal-prepping ideas like:

• Vegetable-rich dishes
• Lean proteins, and
• Healthier dessert options. 

This way, clients can enjoy seasonal treats without overindulging or feeling as if they’ve sabotaged their progress.

3. Focus on Active Lifestyle Habits

During the holidays, clients may struggle to stick to their structured workout routines. Encourage them to incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives in small, manageable ways. 

Simple activities such as:

• Walking instead of driving
• Taking the stairs
• Playing outside with their kids, or
• Dancing at a holiday party can help maintain their fitness levels.

Remind clients that holiday fitness doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.” By keeping up with lighter, everyday activities, they can stay active without feeling like they’re sacrificing time with family and friends.

4. Provide Holiday-Specific Workout Routines

Create special holiday-themed workouts for your clients that fit into their holiday schedules. These could be shorter high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions that do not require equipment or quick full-body circuits they can do at home. 

Emphasize flexibility; shorter workouts can be just as effective as longer ones and can easily fit into busy holiday plans. For example, design a 15- to 20-minute bodyweight workout that targets multiple muscle groups. Include exercises such as: 

• Squats:
• Lunges
• Push-ups, and
• Planks.

These exercises require no equipment and provide a complete workout in a short amount of time, making it easier for clients to stay consistent.

5. Encourage Accountability through Tracking Tools

One effective way to help clients maintain accountability is by using tracking tools or apps. Whether it’s a fitness tracker like Strava, a nutrition app like MyFitnessPal, or a simple journal, these tools can help clients stay mindful of their activity levels and food intake during the holidays. Encourage them to set daily or weekly goals that they can track and review during check-in sessions with you.

You might also consider setting up a group challenge where clients can log their workouts or steps and compete for small prizes or bragging rights. Knowing they are part of a supportive community and having you as their coach can significantly boost their motivation during the holiday season.

6. Offer Online Workouts for Flexibility

With travel and family commitments, clients may not be able to attend in-person sessions as often. Offering virtual or pre-recorded workouts can provide them with the flexibility they need to stay active, no matter where they are. Virtual workouts also encourage a sense of community and accountability, even when clients are away.

Consider setting up live workout sessions or creating an on-demand library that clients can access at any time. By making fitness accessible remotely, you provide them with the tools to stay on track while allowing them the flexibility to adjust their routines based on their holiday schedules.

Conclusion

Helping clients maintain their fitness during the holidays is all about balance, flexibility, and realistic goal-setting. With these strategies, you can encourage them to stay active, enjoy the festivities, and return to their regular routines feeling refreshed and motivated. By being a source of accountability and support, you empower them to navigate the holiday season with confidence and continue progressing on their fitness journey.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.