Staying on track with your workouts and healthy eating might seem impossible over the holidays, especially when the focus is on indulgent parties and long feasts. And sure, it’s always rewarding to enjoy some treats with your loved ones, but how can you authentically find a healthy balance? We sat down with HIIT instructor Hermione for her advice on staying fit this festive season.

1. What is your top tip to stay fit in the party season?

Go for nice walks with your family and friends 30-40 mins maybe 3-4 times a week encourage yourself to walk off any heavy heads from the night before. Simply get moving but make it enjoyable and inclusive, remember the holiday season is for being around your loved ones - not punishing your body through intensive workouts.

2. Do you change your food philosophy over the holidays?

Not really if I’m honest, holidays and the festive season are great but they’re also not an excuse to eat like an idiot. I probably indulge more over the festive season yes, but I’m conscious of my eating and I try not to use that well known phrase ‘oh it’s the holidays it’s fine’ especially if I am deliberately inactive during that time also.

Just remember your goals are your own and everyone is different, but no one wants to be the one saying ‘oh no I can’t eat that I’m on a diet, or watching my weight.’ When it comes to the festive season, be kind and considerate to yourself with your eating, but also be mindful of your personal goals and what effect your eating has on those.

3. What's your typical New Year’s celebration?

Every year since I can remember has been different for me - but typically I’m not a big NYE person very happy to stay in watch the fireworks and get drunk with my family, eat good food and pass out in a cosy bed. However I’m also happy to be lost in the wilderness in the highlands of Scotland being full of red wine & flung about Scottish reeling or in a some kind of warehouse rave, dancing in the new year or at a colourful fancy dress house party (where I get to paint my whole body and wear something silly!)

4. Do you have any recovery or self-care rituals?

Stretching / rolling muscles daily.

Tea - I’m English so this is soothing to me, preferably accompanied by biscuits!

Taking naps in the day or anywhere - an underrated form of recovery and as a competitive athlete some sessions can really just set you back for days, if you don’t catch up on valuable sleep, some sessions induce this effect on you whether you like it or not. I just choose not to fight it.

Baths - They. Are. The. One! Wine, bath bomb and bubbles, if you don’t like them I don’t think you’re doing them right.

Have the most wonderful holidays everyone and remember be good to your bodies, rest, recover, walk, laugh, enjoy your loved ones and see you all in 2020 for another year of training!

Interview by Stephanie Cusack - marketing/events manager and yoga teacher at BECYCLE.

How To Stay Fit In The Party Season