For most of us, the season of temptation is about to begin. Let’s all take a group vow I’ve stolen from Chicago Med…”First, do no harm.”

Flywheel Megan says it best. “I think the mentality of fitness during the holidays should shift slightly from losing weight or progressing fitness levels into a more realistic maintenance of both.” This is clearly not the month to start a major diet, unless you have a will of iron and your friends and family don’t associate love & happiness with festive food celebrations.

So, how to navigate ALL. THAT. FOOD.? Along with a much busier schedule, more stress and lots of partying? We reached out to our Charlotte fitness clients for their advice and tips on enjoying the holidays while still staying fit and healthy. (scroll down to check out the turkey day schedules at our favorite studios – if you love 9Round, this Black Friday is for YOU)

Tips for Keeping the Weight Off During the Holidays

Tip #1: Schedule Your Workouts

Several instructors made this point. During the holidays, more than ever, committing to workouts and getting them on your calendar is key. The good news is that most reservations systems keep us honest, once we’ve committed we don’t want to flake at the last minute and lose that credit. 

My number one tip is to continue to exercise at least 3-5 times a week and making it a point to schedule these workouts on your calendar on Sunday nights just like you would schedule any holiday parties or kids’ activities.  For many people, when time gets tight, workouts are the first to go, but it really needs to stay a part of your routine.  It will help manage stress, keep your weight gain in check, and avoid the intimidating task of starting over on January 1.…Meghan Lee – FlyBarre and Flywheel Instructor

Come up with a plan. Talk with a friend and swap kids so you each can get a workout in. You take her kids for 1.5 hours and then she will take yours for an 1.5. BAM. You both got your workout in and your kids had a 3 hour play date:)…Mary Queens, OTF Quail Corners

Tip #2: Do Enjoy the Special Days with Friends & Family

Everyone agrees that you can & should treat yourself with the holiday food and drinks and skip the guilt.

“It’s only one day- one day will not sabotage your progress. Just get back on track the next day. Don’t let that one day of treating yourself turn into a weekend of indulgence. All things are good in moderation…Thadd Chevere, Head Trainer OTF Ballantyne

Just because you enjoy yourself at a holiday get together on Dec 3 and go into a sugar coma and have a carb hangover DOES NOT mean you cave and say the entire month of DEC is just going to be a “cheat month.”…Mary Queens, OTF Quail Corners

Tip #3: But Be Strategic About Holiday Eating

Having said that this is a time to enjoy the festivities with friends & family, all instructors agree there are certain things you can do to avoid the holiday party temptations.

Before your party, dig into a bowl of plain yogurt. This will do two things: coat your stomach with billions of gut nourishing probiotics to help absorb the alcohol you are most likely going to drink and keep your appetite in control so that you don’t binge on unhealthy party food…Hilliard Studio Method

Portion Control!! Enjoy the holiday foods you love to eat, however, enjoying the food doesn’t mean you have to pig out. Try using a smaller plate and filling it up. You will find yourself getting full because your mind will play a trick on you when it comes to relative size perception of the portion on your plate…Thadd Chevere, Head Trainer OTF Ballantyne

On Thanksgiving – try to eat lighter in the morning (Don’t skip breakfast because then you’re starving later)…Andrea D’ Alberto – FlyBarre Instructor 

It helps to plan ahead mentally when it comes to nutrition during this time of year.  Look at your day as a whole to see where you can balance or off-set some food choices instead of just letting the wheels come off.  If you know you’re going to have a cookie-exchange at night, factor those additional calories into your daily total and have some lighter choices for lunch and dinner so you’ll feel less guilty…Meghan Lee – FlyBarre and Flywheel Instructor

Brush your teeth or pack a toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag before going to a party where you think you may be tempted. I’m telling you, it works! Have you ever tried to eat a cake pop after brushing your teeth? It does NOT taste good…Mary Queens, OTF Quail Corners

Fill up on the healthier options like sweet potatoes, salad & turkey for extra protein. Try not to carb overload ~ some is ok, but not a ton. You don’t want to be too hungry again later….Andrea D’ Alberto – FlyBarre Instructor

Tip #4: When You Feel Your Best, You Look Your Best

Right before you walk out the door, drop and do push-ups until you are close to breaking a sweat. You don’t want to mess up your make-up! This increases blood flow to your muscles giving nice definition to your upper body. And remember to stand up straight. Great posture and great arms (plus a bit of bubbly!) will ensure you shine during the holiday season.…Hilliard Studio Method

Get rested!  Sleep!  Take a nap!…Andrea D’ Alberto – FlyBarre Instructor

Throughout the season, stay hydrated and drink lots & lots of water. That’s always something my clients tell me they need to work on and they don’t do it enough. Drink up all the H2O you can handle!…Andrea D’ Alberto – FlyBarre Instructor

Thanksgiving Day Classes and Deals:

9 Round Dilworth =  Open Wednesday (11/23) 6AM-1PM / Closed Thursday (11/24)  / Open Black Friday (11/25) 8AM-1PM

9Round-Dilworth is offering its LARGEST Membership sale of the year on BLACK FRIDAY ONLY with two awesome price deals deals available for 5 Hours only….8AM-1PM on Black Friday  So stop in or call (704) 334-4994 to work off that pie and save big. 

6 Month Rock-It  $409…….(SAVE $170)

12 Month Body Transformation -$729 (SAVE $400)….PLUS the First 5 to people to purchase this membership will receive a FREE MyZone (MZ3) Heart Rate Monitor……a $129 value

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Orange Theory Charlotte = Classes available Thanksgiving morning between 6am and Noon, different by individual OTF CLT studio. Check your studio schedule for specific times. Friday will be mostly regular schedule with early morning 5am and 6am classes cancelled.

FLYWHEEL & FLYBARRE