(Without Missing Out on the Holidays)**
December is the month where routines get messy. Parties pop up every weekend, workplaces are filled with treats, kids are home more, and schedules change. It’s the month where many people feel like their fitness momentum slips — but at CrossFit Actus, we believe this is actually the most important month to stay connected, consistent, and accountable.
Here’s the good news: you can enjoy the holidays and still feel strong heading into January. It doesn’t require perfection — just a plan, some awareness, and the support of your favourite Actus family.
1. Don’t Aim for Perfect — Aim for Consistent
One of the biggest mistakes people make in December is adopting an “all or nothing” mindset.
- “I already had a cookie… may as well write off the whole day.” – we’ve all said this countless times
- “It’s too busy to train… I’ll just start again in January.” – WRONG. Start again right now. Don’t wait.
This mentality is what derails progress.
Instead, focus on showing up. Refer to our gym rule #2. “Something is better than nothing.” Three solid workouts a week beats a perfect week followed by two weeks off. Small consistent habits will keep your momentum alive — and January becomes a continuation, not a restart.
2. Plan Your Week Before It Starts
The holidays introduce unpredictability. That means your routine needs structure.
Use this simple Sunday ritual:
- Look at your schedule.
- Pick 3–5 days you will train. Book the class and show up. Taking 5 min to do this at the beginning of the week helps a lot.
- Decide which meals you can prep ahead (even just proteins + veggies).
- Identify your high-temptation events so you can plan around them.
This 10-minute planning session is one of the strongest predictors of staying consistent all month long.
3. Prioritize Protein and Water Every Day
Nutrition does not need to be complicated in December. When things feel chaotic, return to the basics:
- Eat protein at every meal (poultry, beef, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt).
- Drink water all day, especially before going to holiday events. I personally notice a huge difference when I’m thirty and how much more I eat then when I’m well hydrated.
- Fill half your plate with veggies whenever possible. Nobody and I mean nobody gets fat from eating too many fruits and vegetables.
If you do nothing else nutritionally, these three habits will keep your energy stable, support recovery, and help prevent overeating when treats are everywhere.
4. Use the “One Plate Rule” at Parties
This is a simple CrossFit Actus strategy we often share with members:
Take one plate, fill it with the foods you truly want, sit down, enjoy it slowly and mindfully — and don’t go back for multiple rounds.
You still enjoy the event. You still get to have what you love. You just avoid the “mindless refilling” trap that leads tosending a huge torpedo to your progress.
5. Keep Training Even If Workouts Need to Be Shorter
Holiday season doesn’t mean you abandon training — you just adapt.
If you can’t make a full class:
- Do a 12-minute AMRAP at home of air squats and pushups.
- Hit a short conditioning piece.
- Do some basic strength work (squats, push-ups, lunges).
Consistency isn’t about the length of the session — it’s about keeping the habit alive. Even 10–20 minutes makes a massive difference from a perspective of mental state.
But remember: you’re always welcome at Actus, and class accountability is the easiest way to avoid falling off track.
6. Lean Into the Community (It’s Your Secret Weapon)
One of the biggest advantages of training at CrossFit Actus is that you’re not doing it alone.
Bring a friend to a holiday WOD, check in with me, and show up to class even when motivation dips.
We track attendance for a reason — not to punish you, but to help you stay accountable when December gets busy. We do it because we love you and we want the best for you and we know life is chaotic. Consistency thrives in community, and our community is strong.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy the Holidays — Then Get Back to Routine
This season should include joy, family, and good food.
Have the dessert. Enjoy the dinner. Celebrate.
Just don’t confuse enjoying the moment with throwing away your habits.
A single meal never derails progress — skipping your routine for four weeks does.
Final Thought: December Consistency Sets Up Your Best January
While most people hit “pause” in December, you don’t have to. Stay consistent, stay connected, and stay accountable — and you’ll enter January already ahead, not trying to catch up.
Your future self will thank you. If you want to talk more about it, click here.
Let’s finish the year strong.
Jonathan