Beer, turkey, and Crossfit

I’ll be working on and off over the next few weeks but like everyone else, I’ll be winding down into holiday mode.

With family and friends spending a lot of time together celebrating and relaxing, we tend to overindulge on the finer things in life. For me, that’s turkey, braai meat, biltong, chips, and beer.

For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, we spend a part of the year training in the gym, out on the road or cycling and running on outdoor tracks. All the work we put in quickly goes down the drain as we overload our bodies with way more calories than we are expanding.

READ: What is your take on Rory and G-Dawg's 'Invisible Box' stunt?

 While we tell ourselves that we will be exercising, we take advantage of the ‘go-slow’ attitude that December brings and tend to neglect our fitness for a few weeks.

I am definitely one of those people, but I have also noted with great suffering the weight I’ve put on when I’m back in the gym in January.

 Here’s what I’ll be doing to stay in shape while having a restful and enjoyable Christmas break.

Keep training

 Most gyms stay open over the festive season, but with changed timetables. I train at a Crossfit box, so I’ll try to hit the gym at the earliest possible class.

 I enjoy training, but it is a different story when you could be sleeping in for a couple of weeks. I’ll wake up a bit later, but I’ll go to the first session of the day. That way, I won’t pull-out later in the day if the mood takes me - ensuring I get a session in and break a sweat before I change my mind.

READ: Rory and G-Dawg react to 'Real men don't allow women to keep their surnames'

 I may not train every day, but three or four sessions a week should keep me relatively fit while I enjoy the treats of the festive season.

 I may mix it up a bit and lay off the weights, and run or cycle a bit more depending on where I am. Variety is key to having fun - too much routine can become boring fast.

Don’t overeat

One of the biggest problems of the festive season is the amazing food we eat. We tend to braai way too much meat at home. Couple that with a few cold ones and you’re quickly feeling full and bloated.

This December, I’m going to enjoy my food - but I’ll just make sure I have smaller portions. That way I don’t miss out, but I don’t stuff myself into a food-coma.

Have fun

The easiest way to burn some calories during the holidays is to have fun. Go to the beach and take some rackets, a cricket bat and a tennis ball. Add a rugby or soccer ball if you’re into those sports and invite your mates.

Run around in the sun for a few hours, play some games and you will be exhausted by the end of the day. It’s the best way to stay in shape and you will get a laka tan as well.

Also READ: G-Dog shares his epic beer-drinking technique