Kohl’s Activewear

First things first, I can’t believe I just used the word “holiday” in a post title. I know it’s November and my house looks like a pumpkin patch inside; but when I think of said word, I think stockings, Christmas cards – oh snap, I already ordered those – and rolls of reindeer wrapping paper.

I digress, I guess the holidays are approaching faster than I care to admit.

For many, the holiday season can be stressful – especially for those who struggle with body acceptance and their relationship with food and exercise. That feeling of over-indulgence and gluttony, only to be followed by a punishing 10-mile run to “burn off” those homemade sourdough rolls and extra slice of chocolate pecan pie. Believe me, I’ve been down that road a December too many.

An “all or nothing” attitude (i.e. no workout = no cookie) doesn’t do anything for anyone, especially around the holidays which are meant to be much more merry than they are stressful.

As a fitness nut, it’s inherent to maintain my exercise regime through the six plus weeks of travel, get-togethers and celebrations. That said, I know any anxiety about enjoying egg nog pancakes is exceedingly less healthy than skipping a workout to watch a Christmas Story with cousins.

If you can’t catch the underlying theme of balance in my holiday fitness philosophy, here are my three holiday fit tips:

1 // “Pack” home workouts.

If you’re traveling during the holidays, or have a house full of guests, it might be out of the question to hit the gym. At-home workouts are just as effective, even considering you have limited time, space and equipment.

5 No Equipment Travel Workouts | 20-Minute Tabata Travel Workout | Motivational Tips for Home Workouts

2 // Sign-up for a holiday (or post-holiday) run.

Many cities have Turkey Trot runs on Thanksgiving morning. Grab a friend or family member and enjoy the crisp, fresh air during a 5K run before enjoying the anticipated feast. (Of course, it doesn’t have to be an organized event either. Get a posse of people together for your own Turkey Trot before taking on the pies.) For the more competitive type, find an event after the holidays as motivation to keep moving during the sugar cookie extravaganza.

This year, two of my girlfriends and I registered for a marathon relay that’s in mid-January.

3 // Respect your R&R (rest and relaxation).

It’s the holiday season after all – a time to bring together family and friends from near and far. Appreciate the season. Don’t stress about a low-mileage running week or skipping a sweat session to catch up over lattes with a college friend. Incorporate exercise into your holiday schedule in the most natural and comfortable way possible. If a Turkey WOD makes you happy, then do it, but let fitness simmer on the back burner if it’s causing more stress than its positive effects.

The outfit I’m sporting is from a partnership with Kohl’s. Typically, I wouldn’t think of Kohl’s for shopping workout apparel. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the box of exercise attire I was sent for this colloaboration. Kohl’s carries name brands such as Asics, Nike, New Balance, and Columbia. They also sell several other higher-quality lines that I was excited to discover.

These sprinter hiking leggings are by Stonewear Designs; they’re made from recycled polyester and were intended for Yosemite Adventures.
The New Balance hoodie is deceivingly warm – ideal for winter running, hiking, or layering to and from the gym.

The variety of Kohl’s activewear is suitable for a yogini to a ball player… and they have plenty of winter coziness for snuggling up on Christmas morning like these Nike Therma-FIT Fleece Pants and fleece raglan sweatshirt.