The holiday season is filled with travel, gatherings and festive events, which can make maintaining a regular exercise routine challenging. Colder weather may also limit outdoor activities, making it even harder to stay active. However, keeping up with physical activity during this time is essential for managing stress and supporting your health goals.
Here are some ideas to help you stay active throughout the holiday season, including both indoor and outdoor options that fit even the busiest schedules.
Take Advantage of Short Workouts
The holiday season can be hectic, but you don’t need hours at the gym to stay active. Short, intense workouts like High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) offer great benefits in minimal time. Many HIIT routines take just 15-20 minutes, making them easy to fit into your packed schedule.
- Quick Home Circuits: Perform bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups and jumping jacks in short intervals. For instance, try 30 seconds of each exercise with a 10-second rest in between, and repeat the circuit three to five times.
- Mini Yoga Sessions: Yoga promotes flexibility, strength and stress relief. Even a quick 10-minute session in the morning can set a positive tone for the day and help you stay focused on wellness.
Indoor Activities to Keep You Moving
When it’s too cold to venture outside, indoor workouts can help you maintain your routine. Whether at home, the gym or visiting family, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors.
- Dance Workouts: Dancing is a fun way to raise your heart rate without any equipment. Put on your favorite playlist and dance around the living room, or follow along with an online dance workout.
- Stair Climbing: If you have access to stairs, use them to your advantage. Stair climbing is an excellent cardio workout that strengthens your legs and glutes.
- Online Fitness Classes: Many platforms offer a variety of online classes, from cardio to strength training and Pilates. With so many options, you can easily find something that suits your interests and schedule.
Bundle Up and Get Outdoors
If you enjoy being outside, don’t let cooler temperatures deter you. With proper clothing and preparation, outdoor activities can be both refreshing and enjoyable.
- Walking or Hiking: Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Layer up, wear a warm hat and head out for a brisk walk around your neighborhood, a local park or nearby trails.
- Holiday-Themed 5K Runs or Walks: Many communities host holiday-themed 5K events, such as Turkey Trots or Santa Runs. These family-friendly events are a fun way to stay active while celebrating the season.
- Winter Sports: If you live in a snowy region, try winter activities like ice skating, snowshoeing or sledding. These festive options are great ways to enjoy the season and stay active.
Incorporate Activity Into Holiday Gatherings
You don’t need to separate family time from your fitness goals. Many holiday traditions can include physical activity, making it easy to stay moving while spending time with loved ones.
- Take a Family Walk After a Big Meal: After Thanksgiving or holiday dinners, suggest a family walk. It’s a great way to aid digestion, get some fresh air and enjoy quality time together.
- Play Active Games: Indoor games like charades, Twister or a dance-off can get everyone moving while creating memorable moments.
- Volunteer for Active Tasks: Offer to help with tasks that involve movement, like setting up, cleaning up or running errands. These small acts can help keep you active throughout the day.
By incorporating these tips, you can maintain your fitness routine and prioritize your health while enjoying everything the holiday season has to offer.
