How To Stay Active During The Holidays Without Losing Your Mind đ”âđ«
Reminder: movement doesnât have to look the same all the time.
The holidays are a magical time, but they can also be a logistical nightmare for your fitness routine. Between travel, parties, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists, finding time for your usual workouts might feel next to impossible.
Reminder: movement doesnât have to look the same all the time. Itâs okayâactually, itâs normalâfor your fitness routine to adapt to your current season of life. The key? Staying flexible and reframing exercise as an opportunity to recharge and feel your best, rather than another chore on your already packed to-do list.
7 Simple Ways to Stay Active Over the Holidays
1ïžâŁ Shorten gym workouts: If getting to the gym feels doable but time is tight, keep it short and sweet. Focus on fewer sets, prioritize machines over free weights, or pick a quick circuit. A 20-minute workout is way better than skipping it altogether
2ïžâŁ Schedule around your plans: The holidays are busy, but that doesnât mean you canât plan. Take a look at your week and figure out when movement can realistically fit in. Maybe itâs a morning workout before the dayâs festivities or a quick session during your lunch break.
3ïžâŁ Swap the gym for cardio or a walk: If the thought of lifting weights feels overwhelming, opt for something simpler. A brisk walk or light jog can clear your head, reduce stress, and still count as movement.
4ïžâŁ Use bands or bodyweight for at-home workouts: Canât make it to the gym? No problem. Resistance bands and bodyweight exercises are your best friends when space or equipment is limited. You can do a quick workout in your living room, hotel room, or even Aunt Sallyâs guest bedroom.
5ïžâŁ Stretch or do mobility work while relaxing: Sitting around watching holiday movies or winding down for bed? Use this time to sneak in a little mobility or stretching. Itâs low effort, but it keeps your body moving.
6ïžâŁ Get involved in household chores: Volunteer to clean the house before visitors arrive, shovel snow, or decorate the tree. These activities may not feel like traditional âworkouts,â but they still get you movingâand they make you the family hero!
7ïžâŁ Make it social: Movement can also double as family or friend time. Go for a hike, organize a game of touch football, or head out for a family bike ride. Itâs a great way to connect while staying active.
Consistency Over Perfection
The most important thing to remember is this: movement isnât about being perfectâitâs about staying consistent in a way that works for you. Thereâs no one-size-fits-all solution, and thatâs okay.
And hereâs the best part: This isnât forever. A week or two of reduced or modified movement during the holidays wonât derail your progress. Focus on doing what you can, and then plan to get back into your usual groove once things settle down.
Need More Tips?
If you found these ideas helpful, youâll love my FREE Holiday Health Hacks Guide! Itâs packed with practical tips like these, plus advice on pre-planning, navigating holiday meals, managing stress, and more. Want a copy? Click here!
Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and give yourself some grace. Happy holidays! đ