Survive the Silly Season
How to Keep your Lifting mojo When Life Gets Hectic
Let’s be real—while the festive season might be full of tinsel and cheer, it’s also deadlines, late nights, and enough “treat yourself” moments to make the gym feel like an afterthought.
But here’s the thing: January doesn’t come with a magical “reset” button. What you do now sets the tone for your progress in 2025. At MWBC, we’re all about showing up—even when life’s messy—because progress isn’t about being perfect; it’s about keeping the wheels turning.
Here’s our top tips to navigate the silly season, MWBC-style:
1. Plan Like You Mean It
If you wouldn’t skip Christmas lunch, don’t skip your training sessions. That said, take a little time to pre-plan and adjust your schedule so training fits around the festive chaos and your schedule works for you.
Schedule It In: Treat your sessions like appointments with yourself. Maybe your frequency needs to drop, and that’s okay—decide how many sessions are “musts” versus “nice to do,” and aim for somewhere in the middle.
Prioritise the Big Rocks: No time for a full session? Hit your snatch, clean & jerk, or squats. Got 5 sets programmed but only time for 3? Do 3. Three is always better than zero.
Be Flexible, Not Flaky: Use a training journal to plan ahead. Know what’s essential versus “bonus work” so you can adjust without throwing in the towel.
2. Hack Your Environment for Success
Set yourself up to win—even when the festive chaos tries to pull you off track.
Ditch the Scroll: Leave your phone in your bag and write your program in a journal. Not only will you feel your lifts more, but you’ll actually have time to cheer for your training partners (instead of accidentally losing 15 minutes on TikTok).
Fuel Smart: Pack a protein shake to sip during accessories. It’s an easy way to keep recovery on track, avoid the hangry commute home, and still dominate the Christmas canapé platter.
Build Accountability: Chat with your coach about locking in regular session times. Knowing your coach and teammates are expecting you makes bailing way harder—and keeps you consistent.
3. Adjust Expectations, Not Effort
The silly season isn’t about chasing PBs—it’s about keeping the wheels turning and honouring the work you’ve already put in.
Short and Sweet: Got 40 minutes? Use it. Focus on your main lifts (snatch, clean & jerk, squats) and skip the fluff.
Celebrate Consistency: Maybe you didn’t crush every lift, but you still showed up. That’s a win. Progress is about staying in the game, not perfection.
Listen to Your Body: Late night? Too much festive cheer? Communicate with your coach and adjust intensity. Moving lighter and staying active is always better than skipping.
4. Community Is Your Secret Weapon
When festive chaos threatens your routine, lean into the MWBC vibe:
Training Together Wins Every Time: Nothing beats a room full of teammates pushing, cheering, and keeping you accountable, especially when you’re tired and have a whole weekend of parties to contend with.
Tap Into Your Why: Remember why you started—whether it’s to feel strong, master technique, or just move your body in a way that makes you feel good. Stay connected to those goals.
5. Ditch the “All or Nothing” Mindset
Thinking you have to be 100% perfect or not bother at all? That’s the fastest way to derail progress.
Small Wins Add Up: Even one session a week is better than none. Show up, do what you can, and celebrate the effort.
Action Beats Overthinking: Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment. Whether it’s hitting one accessory movement or just turning up, every little step counts.
Finish 2025 Strong
The silly season doesn’t have to derail your training. At MWBC, we’re here to help you stay consistent, focused, and strong—without sacrificing the fun of the holidays.
So, pack your gym bag, book your sessions, and show up. 2025 isn’t waiting, and neither should you. Let’s finish the year strong—together.
