
The holiday season is a time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends, but it’s also important to stay active. Here are some simple ways to keep moving during the busiest time of the year.
The holidays are filled with traditions, food, and festivities, and with so much going on, it can be easy to let your regular exercise routine fall by the wayside. However, staying active during the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. In fact, there are many fun, creative ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine while still enjoying the season. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or shopping for last-minute gifts, these tips will help you stay active and keep your fitness on track during the holidays.
1. Take a Walk After Holiday Meals
One of the easiest ways to stay active after a big holiday meal is to take a walk. Not only will it help you digest your food, but it also provides a low-impact way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
- Holiday Walks: Make it a tradition to take a post-dinner walk with family or friends. Not only is this a great way to bond, but you’ll also feel less sluggish and more energized afterward.
- Christmas Light Viewing: Take a walk around your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations. This is a fun way to get moving while taking in the festive sights.
2. Participate in a Holiday Charity Run or Walk
Many communities host charity runs or walks during the holiday season, such as Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving or Jingle Bell Runs in December. These events are a great way to stay active while supporting a good cause. Plus, they often have a festive atmosphere with holiday-themed costumes, music, and cheer.
3. Try a Holiday Fitness Class
Check out local gyms, studios, or online platforms for special holiday-themed fitness classes. Many gyms offer seasonal workouts that focus on burning off holiday calories, such as holiday HIIT classes or winter-themed yoga. These classes can be a fun way to stay active and try something new.
4. Host a Family Fitness Challenge
During family gatherings, create a fitness challenge to get everyone moving. You could set up an obstacle course, organize a game of tag or capture the flag, or host a
fitness trivia competition. The winner gets a prize, and everyone gets a workout while having fun.
5. Take the Stairs
During holiday shopping or when visiting friends and family, opt for the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. This simple change can help you fit in extra steps and tone your legs while you go about your day.
6. Use Holiday Shopping as a Workout
If you’re out doing holiday shopping, try to make it a workout by parking further away from the store entrance to get more steps in. You can also carry your bags with good posture to engage your core, or challenge yourself to move faster through the mall to increase your heart rate.
7. Stretch and Relax
Take time during the busy holiday season to stretch and relax your muscles. This can help counteract the stress that comes with travel, hosting, and shopping. Incorporate stretching into your daily routine to stay flexible and avoid stiffness.
8. Set a Daily Step Goal
If you’re finding it hard to get to the gym during the holidays, set a daily step goal to keep your movement consistent. Aim for 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day and use a fitness tracker to monitor your progress. Taking a brisk walk or walking while doing errands can easily help you reach your goal.
9. Make Fitness a Family Tradition
Get your loved ones involved by making fitness a fun part of your holiday traditions. Whether it’s taking a group walk after Christmas dinner or organizing a New Year’s Day workout, these activities can create lasting memories while keeping everyone active.
Conclusion: Stay Active and Enjoy the Holidays
The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time when your fitness goals go out the window. With these simple and enjoyable ways to stay active, you can maintain your health and fitness while still enjoying the festive spirit. Whether you’re walking, dancing, or doing holiday-themed workouts, make sure to prioritize movement this season and set yourself up for a healthy and happy New Year!