Working Out for the Holidays: Stay Fit While Enjoying the Festivities
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, often, indulgence. From festive meals and sweet treats to cozy nights by the fire, it’s easy to slip into a more sedentary lifestyle during these months. However, staying active over the holidays is key to maintaining your health, keeping your energy levels high, and managing stress during an otherwise busy time.
Rather than letting holiday temptations derail your fitness goals, why not make movement a part of your seasonal routine? With the right mindset and a few smart strategies, you can stay fit and energized throughout the holiday season—without feeling like you’re missing out on the fun. Here’s how to stay active and make working out a priority during the holidays.
1. Set Realistic Goals
The holidays can be hectic, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the added pressure of keeping up with your workouts. Rather than setting overly ambitious goals (which can set you up for failure), make your fitness routine more manageable.
Set realistic, specific, and achievable goals for the holiday season. For example, commit to working out three times a week instead of aiming for five. This gives you flexibility, especially with all the events and family gatherings. Remember, consistency is key, not perfection.
2. Schedule Your Workouts Like an Appointment
With all the extra tasks and events during the holidays, it can be hard to find time to exercise. To avoid skipping workouts, schedule them in advance—just like any other appointment or social event. Block out time on your calendar in the mornings or evenings, and try to stick to the schedule as much as possible.
Having a set workout routine will help you stay committed, even when things get busy. Plus, the added benefit of scheduling your workouts is that you’re more likely to view them as non-negotiable, making it easier to prioritize your fitness during this festive season.
3. Get Creative with Your Workouts
If the gym isn’t an option or you’re short on time, think outside the box and get creative with your workouts. There are many ways to stay active that don’t require a formal workout session.
- Take the Stairs: Skip the elevator and take the stairs whenever you can. It’s a simple way to fit in a mini workout and boost your cardio.
- Holiday Walks: Take advantage of the crisp winter air and go for a walk after dinner or on a quiet afternoon. Walking is low-impact, easy to fit in, and helps with digestion—perfect after a big meal.
- Dancing: Whether it’s a family holiday party or a solo dance session in your living room, dancing is a fun way to get your heart rate up and lift your spirits.
- Outdoor Fun: If the weather permits, try activities like ice skating, sledding, or even a friendly game of snowball fight or touch football with family and friends. These activities get your body moving without feeling like a formal workout.
4. Incorporate Full-Body, Time-Efficient Workouts
The holiday season often means fewer opportunities to dedicate hours to the gym. That’s why short, effective workouts are ideal during this time. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a fantastic way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health in a fraction of the time.
A 20- to 30-minute HIIT workout can be done with minimal equipment (or none at all) and targets multiple muscle groups, which makes it highly efficient. Here are a few examples of exercises you can incorporate into a quick workout:
- Jump squats
- Burpees
- Push-ups
- Mountain climbers
- Plank variations
- Jump lunges
You can mix and match these moves to create a full-body workout that gets your heart rate up and works your muscles. Plus, these workouts don’t require a lot of space or equipment—perfect for at home or while traveling.
5. Stay Active with Family and Friends
The holidays are often spent with loved ones, and this provides an excellent opportunity to bond while staying active. Instead of just sitting around watching TV or chatting over snacks, consider incorporating physical activity into your family gatherings:
- Group Walks: After a festive meal, take a stroll through the neighborhood or park with family and friends. It’s a great way to catch up while also getting your steps in.
- Post-Meal Play: Organize a game of catch, flag football, or soccer in the yard. Even a short walk