OPINION: Staying fit this festive season

If you are one of those dedicated fitness freaks who knows your resting, maximum and reserve heart rate, as well as your VO2max figure (and have accurate records of how your bench press and 40 yard dash has improved over the last three years), then you might dread this break in routine. You are aware of the effect this “off time” will have on your progress and how difficult it will be to get back into routine. Then of course there are those extra kilos that arrive and refuse to leave.

Do not despair. If approached correctly this time of year can be of great value to any training programme and could even improve general fitness levels. The trick is to make sure you adjust to your new routine and think of new things to do that will aid your fitness goals.

If you are migrating to coastal waters this season, consider a beach workout. They allow high intensity exercise in a short period, whilst giving you that mystical warrior persona to all who jealously observe you. Getting up at 5am for your regular morning ride seems inappropriate at this time, but working in a long leisurely run along the coast at sunset will be just the thing for the avid cyclist.

CrossFit-style workouts are also a great way to work on core and strength and require little-to-no equipment. There are literally thousands of workouts to google and they could be fun for the whole family to try. Working out at high intensity for as little as 15 minutes per day could be enough to elicit a great fitness response from your body.

Go for a run on the beach, hire a bike or print out some quick, high intensity exercises from the net. Exercise will leave you feeling happy and relaxed, which is what you want to be while on holiday.

Thalia de Beer is the owner of Crossfit Featherbrooke.