It’s that time of year again: When the hustle and bustle of the holidays seem to take over our normal routines. When it doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day for all the to-dos, it becomes even more important to make the most of the time you do have — and to maintain the habits and behaviors that support good mental and physical health.
“Finding ways to become more efficient with your time could improve your satisfaction, reduce your stress, and help you become more productive with your days,” says Julie Brown, RD, CPT, small group training coach, and senior lead general at Life Time in Chanhassen, Minn. “The fast-paced nature of our lives — especially around the holidays — often means we overcommit ourselves. It’s crucial we understand our unique bandwidth to take on tasks and responsibilities within the scope of our days. It can take time and practice to embrace changes to how you spend your time, but it’s worth it.”
If you’re familiar with the feelings of holiday overcommitment or overwhelm, remember that Life Time is a place where you can not only work out and work through those emotions, but also check a few items off your list. We gathered a few ideas for you here.
For Everyone:
1. Destress and get holiday-ready at the LifeSpa. Massage is an effective way to unwind when you’re tense or overwhelmed — book an appointment in the Life Time Digital app. While you’re at it, you can also make an appointment for a hair, skin, or nails treatment so you’re set for parties and gatherings. Schedule the session(s) adjacent to your workout, so you only have to make one trip.
2. Plan ahead and reserve your spot in classes. At the start of each week, pick the studio classes you’d like to take and register for them in the Life Time Digital app. These reservations provide extra accountability and, since you’ve already planned them in your schedule, you won’t have to think about when you’ll find time to fit in your workouts.
3. Squeeze in exercise when you can. Can’t make it to the club for a class? Take an On Demand or Live Stream class instead. Available in the Life Time Digital app, these options make it easy to work out when it’s most convenient for you. You could also schedule a walking meeting at work or do a few body-weight exercises at your desk, suggests Brown.
4. Remember to recover. Recovery work is a critical part of every fitness routine, as it helps your body function at its best; it’s especially important when you’re feeling rundown or burned out. Schedule an appointment at the LT Recovery zone (available at select clubs): Options include Normatec compression therapy, hydromassage beds, and other recovery-enhancing offerings. Most clubs also offer dynamic stretching areas, whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms — even if you just have a few minutes, spending time in one of these areas can offer a little reprieve and rejuvenation.
5. Finish your shopping. Forget trekking from store to store. Check off everyone on your list with a healthy-living gift from the online LifeShop — including selections that are available at member-exclusive prices. In need of some inspiration? Read: “9 Healthy-Living Experts Share Their 2023 Holiday Wish Lists.”
6. Make use of the network of athletic country clubs. Traveling this season? There’s no need to rework your routine when you’re out of town. As a Life Time member, you have access to the 170-plus Life Time locations across the United States and Toronto. (View more about the policy here.)
7. Grab meals-on-the-go from the LifeCafe. Pick up one of the freshly prepared, pre-packaged meals or order ahead using the Life Time Digital app; your food will be waiting for you to pick up when you arrive — and take one more thing off your list.
8. Consider a meal replacement. Life Time’s All-in-One protein powders (available in Vegan+ or Whey+ options) deliver 30 grams of protein in addition to vitamins and minerals. If you’re really on the move, these shakes contain all the benefits of a well-balanced meal, says Brown. Simply mix with water in a shaker bottle or blend into your favorite shake recipe (you can also have a LifeCafe team member blend it into one for you!).
For Families:
9. Take advantage of the child care. Included in a Junior Membership, you can drop your kids (ages 3 months and older) off at the Kids Academy for up to 2.5 hours of child care daily while you’re at the club, whether you’re working out or having a massage.
10. Enjoy a kid-free night. Parents Night Out events are held every Saturday evening (and on select Fridays in some clubs) and are also included in Junior Memberships. For three hours, kids participate in themed activities, while parents can leave the club to do whatever they want. (Learn how a few parents take advantage of this perk: “How to Make the Most of Parents Night Out at Life Time.”)
11. Plan your kids’ days off now. Avoid scrambling during a school break, closure, or other day you could use child care. When your kids don’t have school, they can spend time at Life Time. Set your family up for success by registering for school-break camps or kids events ahead of time.
