The holiday season is a whirlwind of family gatherings, travel, and indulgent meals. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s common for fitness routines to take a back seat—especially when gyms are closed. But staying active, even in small ways, can help you maintain your fitness, boost your mood, and keep holiday weight gain at bay. If you are more worried about nutrition, be sure to check out our recent blog post on holiday indulgence.
Why Sticking to a Routine Matters
The holidays can be unpredictable, so lean on your fitness to add some structure to your days. Always control what you CAN control. Even brief workouts improve your energy levels and mental clarity, help regulate appetite, and contribute to a sense of accomplishment during an otherwise indulgent time.
It’s important to note that you may not make incredible gains in your fitness during this season, but maintaining is far better than taking steps backwards. It is much easier to stick with small, consistent habits, rather than rely on intense efforts after a long break. By staying active, you won’t just maintain your fitness—you’ll also set yourself up for an easier transition back to your regular routine once the season ends.
Creative Ways to Stay Active
You don’t need a gym to work more movement into your day, just a little discipline and creativity! Here are some simple ways to keep moving during the holidays, no equipment required:
- Turn chores into a workout: Shoveling snow, vacuuming, or raking leaves can double as cardio.
- Make family time active: Suggest a walk after a meal, play backyard games, or organize a holiday scavenger hunt.
- Stretch during downtime: Use holiday movie marathons to sneak in some yoga or mobility work.
- Set a step goal: Challenge yourself to hit 8,000-10,000 steps a day by parking farther away or taking a quick walk around the block between holiday tasks.
- Use what you have: Got stairs? Climb them for a quick cardio burst. A sturdy chair can serve for step-ups, and a wall is perfect for wall sits.
Bodyweight Workouts
When you have 10-30 minutes of time on your hands, get after one of these three bodyweight workouts!
- Every Minute on the Minute for 24
- 12-15 Jump Squats
- 12-15 Burpees
- 30-40 Plank Shoulder Taps
- 20 Sit Ups
- “Zachary Tellier”
- 10 Burpees
- 10 Burpees + 25 Push Ups
- 10 Burpees + 25 Push Ups + 50 Lunges
- 10 Burpees + 25 Push Ups + 50 Lunges + 100 Sit Ups
- 10 Burpees + 25 Push Ups + 50 Lunges + 100 Sit Ups + 150 Squats
- As Many Rounds as Possible in 15 Minutes
- 50 Mountain Climbers
- 40 Cossack Squats
- 30 V-UPs
Embrace the Holiday Spirit of Balance
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Even 15-30 minutes of movement a day can help you stay on track physically and mentally. By finding ways to move that fit seamlessly into your holiday plans, you’ll enjoy the season without sacrificing your fitness.
Need help staying consistent? Reach out for support by scheduling a No Sweat Intro here! You can also find free accountability through Achieve Nutrition’s private Facebook Community. Together, we’ll keep your goals in focus—no matter how busy the holidays get!
