You're not done yet.

This is the time of the year when most of you - no, definitely not me - relax your training and nutrition. It gets cold and dark in the northern hemisphere, the town is full of christmas parties and of course you have to travel somewhere to get away from the weather or visit family. However, December is not done yet, we’re not even halfway into the last month of the year… and yet most of you already wrote it off like some kind of business expense.

Christmas is TWO DAYS, not 2 weeks. Don’t try to justify your cheat meals and skipped sessions with “oh, it’s the holiday season”.

Did you start your transformation because you wanted to eat better and get stronger? Then don’t let December change this. You don’t want to be that person who can’t take control of their life. You need to carry on like it’s any other month, because, if you think about it, it is. Throughout your life, there will be plenty of events, holidays, festivities… If you use them all as an excuse to derail your healthy routine, then you won’t be able to maintain one. So, just keep pushing like it’s a regular Tuesday.

Do you feel shitty already? Good. Use that and turn it into focus. Here’s what you’re going to do:

1. Use the extra calories to train harder

Do you eat a lot in December? Me too. Do you like Christmas cookies and random alcoholic drinks? Great! Use that energy surplus to lift heavier weights, or run faster. Food is fuel, and especially if you're a gym goer, you’ll love to see how easy it is to lift the same weight with more battery.

All I want for Christmas is a new PR from you

2. The gym is empty, enjoy it.

Thankfully you’re reading this article, so hopefully, you won’t be one of the many people skipping the gym in December. Instead, you can use this to your advantage. Use the machines you never could because of the busy environment - hell, do supersets on the machines, no-one will bother you! Do you know the saying “While you’re sleeping somebody is putting the work in”? That’s you in December. You’ll be the hero who doesn’t struggle in January, who doesn’t have to work-off the holiday weight, who is already on the new programme based on their new PRs, while all the ‘sleepy sleepersons’ were getting their zzz’s in.

3. Get your friends and family to enjoy the gym with you

At first, it might feel weird to ask them out for a gym date but you should share the things you like with your close circle. If they ask you to go out with them, tell them okay, but only if we go to the gym first. You’ll have a lot of fun, I guarantee, and December is ideal for this, as most people have more time. Hey, they might sign up and you get a gym buddy for next year.

4. Get Shit Done First

If you treat yourself as a dog (I deserve this because of…) make sure you earn your treats. Cold and dark weather is not an excuse to eat/drink more. Do your work, do your workouts, eat your veggies and protein. THEN you can have your work parties and chocolate cakes.

I know this article is kicking your butt, and sometimes I have to remind myself as well to stay focused but if I’m not harsh with you, who will be? I’m your coach after all.

So if I can leave you with one thing, it will be to always make sure you have your priorities straight. Why would you try to practice self-love by making things that are bad for your body and mind? Instead, celebrate Christmas - and yourself - by becoming healthier, better, and stronger.

Train ComplEat,

Coach G.