Reigniting the Athlete Within: Holiday Hiatus to Peak Performance
- admin042600
- Dec 21, 2023
- 4 min read
The athlete’s guide to maximizing training & performance after taking time off.
The festive season is upon us, bringing with it the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of gift-giving, and the temptation of indulgent feasts. As athletes, navigating the holiday season can be particularly challenging, often leading to a well-deserved break from the rigor of training routines and practice sessions. While the holidays are a time to unwind, it's essential to transition back into your athletic pursuits seamlessly. In this guide, we'll explore five tips to help you rediscover your stride after the holiday hiatus and ensure a smooth return to training.
5 Tips to Reignite the Athlete Within
1. Embrace the Transition Slowly
The abrupt shift from holiday mode to full-on training intensity can be counterproductive. Instead of diving headfirst into strenuous workouts, start with light, enjoyable activities. Engage in activities you missed during the break, whether it's a friendly game with friends or teammates, or a solo run in your favorite park. This gradual approach helps your body and mind ease back into the rhythm effortlessly, avoiding over training injuries and overwhelming stress.
2. Set Realistic Goals
With the start of the new year on the horizon, it's tempting to set lofty fitness goals. However, after a break, it's crucial to be realistic about your starting point. Set achievable short-term goals that align with your current fitness level and act as progressive milestones as you reach towards your larger, long-term goals. Whether it's increasing your running milage or improving flexibility, these small victories will lay the foundation for more ambitious objectives as you progress.
3. Reconnect with Teammates
Athletics is not just about physical exertion; it's also about the camaraderie and support of teammates. Reach out to your training partners and teammates to reignite the team spirit. Plan a light training session together, share your holiday experiences, and set collective goals for the upcoming season. The shared motivation and encouragement will make the return to training more enjoyable and inspiring.
4. Prioritize Recovery
The holiday season might have taken a toll on your sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being. Prioritize recovery as you resume training. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep, hydrating well, and fueling your body with nutritious meals. Consider incorporating recovery-focused activities such as yoga or meditation into your routine. A balanced approach to training and recovery is key to sustained athletic performance.
5. Follow a Structured Plan
As you re-enter the world of training, having a well-structured plan is paramount. Outline your weekly training schedule, incorporating a mix of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises. Break down your goals into manageable segments and track your progress. Having a clear plan not only keeps you organized but also provides a roadmap for success in achieving your athletic objectives.
Need help with your training plan? Creating an organized, well-balanced, effective training plan can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Save yourself from the time, energy, and stress and leave the programming to a professional. Book a free virtual consultation and one of our certified personal trainers will create a complete personalized training program centered around you and your training goals.
Bonus Tip: Stay One Step Ahead
Get an edge on your competition and continue training throughout the holiday season to stay in top shape. Taking time to rest and recover is important and shouldn’t be avoided, but if you’re one of the many athletes that doesn’t enjoy too much time off, planning workouts and active recovery days during your break can help maintain your progress. This is a great time to have some fun and shake up your training with different exercises and activities. Invite family members to join in or meet up with some old friends. Try out a low-risk winter sport like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing or go for a run on the beach if you’re enjoying some warmer weather.
Returning to training after the holiday season requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By easing into the transition, setting realistic goals, reconnecting with teammates, prioritizing recovery, and creating a structured plan, athletes can make a seamless comeback and reignite the athlete within.
As a special treat for our dedicated athletes, we're excited to introduce the 2023 Advent Calendar Training Package and 2023 Advent Calendar Training Package PRO. With 12 unique workouts released daily, and at-home friendly exercise alternatives, it's the perfect way to stay in top shape no matter where you’re spending the holidays. Embrace the festive spirit while maintaining your athletic edge—because every day is an opportunity to progress. Here's to a joyful and fit holiday season!
Take on the challenge!
Ready for 12 days of sweat & joy? Learn more and sign up for the 2023 Advent Calendar Training Package or 2023 Advent Calendar Training Package PRO below!
2023 Advent Calendar Training Package
Get the complete online program and follow along with every workout, plus get a digital download to use offline and keep for life!
2023 Advent Calendar Training Package PRO
Treat yourself to an upgrade and get two free virtual personal training sessions, all inclusive app access, and more!
Looking for something more personalized?
All of our athletes at Flight Elite Athlete Training receive a personalized training program that is customized to their training needs and goals. Book a free consultation with one of our certified personal trainers to learn more about our online coaching and virtual personal training options and get a personalized training program of your own!
