Why Did You Let It Slip? Advice for Moving Forward After the Holidays

The holiday whirlwind is over. AAA’s predictions were right: over 119 million Americans hit the road or sky during the season, and chances are, you were one of them. Now, the decorations are packed away, the leftovers are dwindling, and life is getting back to normal. So here’s the question: how did your training hold up?

If you stuck to your plan, kudos. If not, let’s address the elephant in the room: why did you let it slip? It’s not about guilt-tripping; it’s about learning. The holidays are a stress test for your discipline. Whether you maintained or derailed, there’s valuable insight to be gained.

The Two-Week Detour: More Than You Think

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Two weeks of taking your foot off the gas has consequences, even for the most dedicated among us. Strength and endurance take hits differently, but both feel the impact. You might’ve noticed it in your first post-holiday workout—a sluggish warm-up, lower output, or a general sense of “wow, this feels harder than it should.”

The physiological decline is real:

• Cardio: By day 10, your VO2 max drops. By two weeks, your cardiovascular efficiency takes a noticeable dip.
• Strength: While gym strength holds up better, your ability to apply force repeatedly (think: functional strength) diminishes due to reduced endurance.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. So now that you’ve experienced the effects, let’s talk about how to prevent it in the future.

Looking Ahead: How to Stay Consistent

We’re not here to dwell on the past; we’re here to dominate the future. Here’s how to ensure next year—or your next trip—doesn’t derail your progress.

1. Pack with Purpose
   You’ve heard it before: pack your gym clothes. It’s not just symbolic; it’s a commitment. If your gear’s in your bag, you’ve already overcome the first barrier to staying active.
2. Scout the Territory
   Treat finding a gym or training spot like part of your itinerary. When you’re planning sightseeing or meals, include a quick Google search for local gyms. Drop-ins are affordable, and they often lead to unexpected adventures—new friends, local tips, and memories beyond the workout itself.
3. Adapt Your Program
   Travel isn’t an excuse to abandon your training; it’s a chance to adapt. Maybe you can’t hit a heavy squat day, but you can run sprints, knock out bodyweight circuits, or throw down at a local CrossFit gym. Something beats nothing, and effort scales to circumstances.
4. Mindset Over Methods
   The question isn’t how much can I do? It’s what can I do to stay in the game? Even a 30-minute session of intense effort can keep your edge sharp. Treat it as a line in the sand—proof to yourself that you won’t let travel or holidays disrupt your mission.

Lessons Learned: Moving Forward

If you let training slide this time, you’re not alone. But ask yourself: was it worth it? Did the rest or indulgence truly outweigh the satisfaction of staying consistent? And, most importantly, what will you do differently next time?

The mantra here at Power Athlete is simple: Destroy Mediocrity. It’s not about perfection; it’s about refusing to settle. So whether it’s your next holiday trip or just a busy season at work, make staying active a non-negotiable. Your future self will thank you when you’re crushing goals while others are still shaking off the cobwebs.

Ready to Level Up?

If you’re serious about making consistency your standard, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s Field Strong for functional power, Jacked Street for hypertrophy and strength, or Grindstone for balancing training with a demanding schedule, Power Athlete has a program for you.

Start the year off right—choose a program that fits your goals and commit to the best version of yourself. Head to Power Athlete Training and join the thousands of athletes worldwide who are crushing it every day.

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