How to Get Back in Shape After the Holidays

It’s all fun and games (plus lechon and bibingka!) until your pants no longer fit. If you’ve binged a little too much over the holidays, chances are you’re seeing and feeling the effects now. Still, there’s no use crying over spilled milk (or should we say a tall peppermint mocha?). The extra weight is here – but doesn’t have to stay. If you’re wondering how to get back in shape after all the holiday feasting, read on.

Setting your pre-holiday weight as your goal might be a good place to start. It’s a realistic and familiar targets since you've been there and done that. Once you’re back to your pre-holiday weight, you can level up your weight loss exercises gradually.

Think of how you go about your day. Where can you add a little extra exercise? If you’re commuting, get off a few blocks from your destination and walk the last 10 minutes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If walking to work is an option, do it to add more steps to your day! You could also stand around after a meal instead of immediately plopping yourself on the couch.

There’s no one-and-done solution on how to get back in shape efficiently and quickly. Try to cross-train so all your muscle groups are activated and worked out. Your weekly post-holiday workout plan can include a mix of strength training, resistance exercise, and aerobic activity.

Clichéd as it sounds, the new year provides additional incentive to try new fitness activities, be it a back-to-gym workout or an entirely new sport. The key here is to take it slowly and steadily – but stay committed. Don’t pressure yourself to learn the ropes quickly! As long as you’re consistent, you’re sure to see results.

Another great thing about engaging in a new activity or sport is that you’ll likely work with teammates, an opponent, a training partner, or a coach. This gives you an instant workout buddy, boosting your social wellness in the process.

You know what they say: Weight loss starts in the kitchen – not in the gym. You can expect better results from your workouts when you’re eating healthily, too.

Start with being mindful of what you consume and cutting back on the things you already know are causing the extra flab and jiggles, such as processed foods and sweetened drinks. As much as possible, don’t eat out. Bring a home-cooked meal to work or sign up for a meal plan. Go for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and don’t forget to hydrate well.

A few tips and tricks that can help you manage what you eat include: eating on time or at the same time each day, not skipping breakfast, watching your portions, and slowing down and focusing on your meal instead of doing something else while you’re eating.

If budget permits, consult a health expert, sign up for a gym workout plan for weight loss, or enroll in a class. It pays to be guided by a professional who can tailor-fit a program for you and give you targeted results. Plus, paying for a trainer motivates you to show up, or else all that money goes to waste!

Invest in your post-holiday workout gear so you’re motivated to get down and dirty – and super serious – about exercising and losing weight. Light and breathable clothing, well-fitting training shoes, and a durable bag are a few essentials to start with.

Put together your grooming and hygiene kit, too, so you’re sure to be at the top of your game even post-workout. Always bring with you your bath necessities, including the Fresh Clear Men Cool Sport Menthol Shampoo, which is formulated to thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp of grime, grease, and dandruff.

Don’t skip skincare! Your face will be sweaty, for sure, so cleanse with POND'S Men Facial Wash Energy Charge, which has coffee bean extracts to help refresh your skin that’s been bogged down from tiredness and stress.

Finally, keep tabs on everything – from what you’ve been doing to what you’ve been consuming. When it comes to discovering how to get back in shape, building a habit through small, consistent steps you take each day is always an effective approach. We’re rooting for you!