Stay fit and enjoy the festivities with these simple and effective holiday workouts that help you burn those extra calories.

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence. Whether it’s enjoying festive meals with family or sampling holiday treats, it’s easy to find yourself consuming more calories than usual. However, staying active doesn’t have to be a chore or feel like a punishment after a big holiday meal. With these easy workouts, you can burn those extra calories, keep your energy up, and still enjoy the holiday festivities. These workouts can be done anywhere, don’t require a lot of time, and will help you feel great as you celebrate the season.

1. Bodyweight Workouts You Can Do Anywhere

Sometimes, the best workouts are the ones you can do without any special equipment. These bodyweight exercises will help you stay active and burn calories no matter where you are.

Squats
 Squats are one of the most effective bodyweight exercises for burning calories. They target the legs, glutes, and core. Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 squats to get your heart rate up and your muscles engaged. To make them more challenging, try jump squats, where you jump explosively at the top of each squat.

Push-ups
 Push-ups are a fantastic upper-body workout that also engages the core. If you’re just starting, try knee push-ups or incline push-ups (using a chair or bench). Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 push-ups.

Lunges
 Lunges are great for working the legs, glutes, and even the core. Perform walking lunges around your living room or in a straight line if you have space. Do 3 sets of 10 lunges on each leg.

Plank Holds
 The plank is one of the best exercises for engaging the core and strengthening the arms and legs. Hold a plank position for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat for 3 sets.

Mountain Climbers
 Mountain climbers are a great cardio move that will elevate your heart rate and engage the whole body. Aim for 3 sets of 20-30 mountain climbers.

2. Quick Cardio Workouts to Burn Off Holiday Treats

If you’re looking to burn more calories quickly, try a high-intensity cardio workout. Here are some quick and fun options to help you burn those holiday calories.

Jump Rope
 Jumping rope is a fantastic cardio workout that you can do in your living room or outside. Try jumping for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat for 10-15 minutes to get a great calorie burn.

Dance Party
 Crank up your favorite holiday tunes and have a dance party! Dancing is a great way to burn calories and have fun. If you’re short on time, a quick 20-minute dance session can burn up to 200-300 calories.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
 HIIT is a highly effective way to burn calories in a short amount of time. Try a combination of high-intensity exercises like burpees, jump squats, and mountain climbers. Do 30 seconds of each exercise, followed by a 30-second rest. Repeat for 15-20 minutes for an intense, calorie-torching workout.

3. Family-Friendly Fun Workouts

If you’re spending the holidays with family, why not turn your fitness routine into a fun activity everyone can enjoy? These family-friendly workouts will keep everyone moving and burn off those holiday calories together.

Holiday Scavenger Hunt
 Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt with fitness challenges at each station. For example, find a hidden ornament and do 10 jumping jacks, or discover a holiday card and perform 15 squats. This is a great way to keep kids engaged and active.

Christmas Relay Races
 Set up a fun obstacle course or relay race in your backyard or living room. Incorporate exercises like jumping jacks, sprints, and sit-ups. Family members can take turns racing through the course, helping you stay active and burn calories together.

Active Christmas Tree Decorating
 Why not turn decorating the Christmas tree into a fitness activity? Use exercises like squats, lunges, and arm raises as you place decorations on the tree. It may take longer, but you’ll definitely burn some calories while getting into the holiday spirit.

Conclusion: Keep Moving and Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time to indulge, but it’s also a time to stay active and healthy. With these easy workouts, you can burn off those extra holiday calories without feeling deprived. Whether you’re doing bodyweight exercises, quick cardio workouts, or engaging in family-friendly fitness activities, there are plenty of ways to stay fit and enjoy the holidays.