Holiday Health

Junior basketball forward Alex Bruno with some Tips for Staying Healthy over Winter Break

As the air gets colder and classes are ramping up toward final exams, students and professors alike are looking ahead to a restful holiday season with family and friends. The holidays are a great time to relax and reflect on the year we are leaving behind, but it also means a lot of great meals and cold weather that convinces you to stay indoors.

With that said, many people find it challenging to stay in shape over the holidays, especially when there are many compelling reasons to put fitness on the back burner. Rather than wait for a New Year’s resolution to get you back on track, Junior business major and forward for the University of Dallas Men’s Basketball team Alex Bruno offers three tips for staying consistent over the break.

#1 “Find a type of workout you enjoy”

It’s no secret that you’re more likely to do something consistently if you have a good time doing it. The best workout in the world is the one that you’ll actually do, so don’t feel like you have to run yourself to death on the treadmill or strain under a heavy barbell unless that’s what you love doing. It could be pilates, basketball, martial arts or anything you would enjoy on a regular basis.

#2 “Find a group of friends to work out with”

Anything difficult is made easier with good company. From all-star athletes to your average gym goer, many people have made enormous strides in their fitness journey by having a training partner or group to encourage and push them. If you have a friend with similar goals, or just want to spend some more time with your group in a constructive way, doing something active is a great way to spend the holidays.

#3 “Don’t overdo it. No one wants to get hurt over Christmas break” 

The main objective of training during the holiday season is to maintain your health and wellness in the midst of temptations that might otherwise slow you down or throw you off track. With that in mind, training to the point of risking an injury or burning yourself out misses the point entirely. Not only would an injury bring your training to a full stop, it would prevent you from enjoying the time with your family as much as you otherwise could have.

Winter break offers a chance for students and faculty members to reflect on the year behind them and look forward to the next while surrounded by family and friends. The stress of the previous semester is yesterday’s problem, and students are able to build excitement for the spring as they rest from the challenges of term papers and final exams. 

While this rest can often lead students to backslide on their health and fitness, especially given the kinds of food that are offered to them around Christmas and New Year’s, Bruno’s simple tips are very useful for keeping yourself consistent during your time off.