Staying Active: Christmas Edition

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also be a challenging period for those who want to stay active. With endless events, travel, schedule adjustments, and colder weather, it's easy to let our healthy habits slide. However, staying active during the Christmas period is achievable with some planning and flexibility. Whether you're aiming to maintain your fitness level or just want to keep moving, here are some tips to help you stay active this festive season.

Find an activity you enjoy

The festive period can be chaotic, leaving little time to train and exercise. However, there are many ways to stay active and fit during the Christmas period by finding an activity you truly enjoy.

Firstly, it is important to remember that not every training session has to be a long and intense workout. Even a short burst of activity here and there will be beneficial. For example, if you only have 20 minutes to spare, you can still get moving and do a short workout. This could be a 20-minute walk in your neighbourhood or a simple dumbbell workout at home. You could also try an online yoga class or ride bikes with your kids.

If you enjoy running, you could try incorporating some intervals into your routine, as these can be extremely productive and time-efficient. Alternatively, if you are focusing on resistance training, you could create a circuit of exercises with minimal rest periods in between. Performing a few rounds of this circuit will give you an effective workout in no time.

If you are unable to get to the gym or prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of at-home workout options. For instance, you could try a countertop workout with some light resistance training, such as heel lifts or push-ups while standing at your kitchen counter.

Additionally, there are many seasonal activities that can help you stay active during the Christmas period. Ice skating is a fun way to stay fit and burn calories, and many cities offer outdoor ice-skating rinks during the festive season. You could also try fun indoor activities such as bowling or indoor rock climbing, which can be enjoyed with family and friends.

Remember, the key is to find an activity that you genuinely enjoy and make it a part of your routine. By incorporating physical activities that you look forward to, you will be more likely to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle during the Christmas period.

Be flexible with your routine

The holiday season can be a challenging time to stick to your exercise routine. Schedules are often disrupted by holiday gatherings, time off work, and children being home from school. So, it's important to be flexible with your routine and change things up to stay on track. Here are some tips to help you stay active during the Christmas period:

Embrace shorter workouts

Don't let a lack of time deter you from exercising. Shorter workouts can still be beneficial and add up over time. Embrace the time you have available, whether it's 20 minutes or 30 minutes, and make the most of it. You can also try time-efficient exercises such as intervals or circuits with minimal rest periods to maximise your training time.

Adapt to the weather

If the weather outside turns chilly, be prepared with a backup plan. Consider joining a gym or using a treadmill for your workouts. Many gyms offer one-off passes or short-term memberships that can be useful during the winter months. Alternatively, look for indoor activities that can keep you active, such as indoor rock climbing, bowling, or dance classes.

Be creative with your activities

Think outside the box when it comes to staying active. Walking, shopping, hanging Christmas decorations, and even preparing holiday meals are all opportunities for movement. You can also try countertop workouts with light resistance training or heel lifts while standing at the kitchen counter.

Adjust your workout time

If your usual workout time is disrupted due to holiday obligations, consider switching up the time of day you exercise. You may find that working out in the morning before your day gets busy can be more manageable. Set your alarm a little earlier, and have your workout clothes and sneakers ready by your bed to motivate you to get moving.

Incorporate walking

Walking is an excellent way to stay active during the holidays. Aim for 10,000 steps a day, which can be as effective as completing five 30-minute workouts each week. Take walks outside to enjoy the holiday decorations and lights, or explore your destination if you're travelling. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and park a little further from store entrances to add extra steps to your day.

Plan time-efficient workouts

Planning time-efficient workouts is key to staying active over the Christmas period. The festive season can be chaotic, so it's important to maximise the time you do have. Even if you only have 20 minutes, a short burst of exercise is still beneficial and will all add up.

If you're short on time, plan a session that will still challenge you. For example, if you're going for a run, try incorporating some intervals, which can be extremely productive and quick. If you're focusing on resistance work, create a circuit of exercises with minimal rest periods between movements. Two or three rounds of this type of circuit will give you an effective workout in no time.

If you're unable to get outside due to bad weather, consider using a treadmill as a backup plan. Joining a gym, even for a short period, can be a good option to ensure you don't miss your planned runs.

By planning time-efficient workouts, you can make the most of your time and stay active, even during the busy Christmas period.

Try indoor exercises

Staying Active Over the Christmas Period: Try Indoor Exercises

Staying active over the Christmas period can be challenging, especially when the weather gets cold and you have many social events to attend. However, there are plenty of indoor exercises you can try to stay active during the holidays. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Be Creative with Indoor Exercises

If going outdoors or hitting the gym doesn't appeal to you during the Christmas period, get creative with indoor exercises! You can try countertop workouts with light resistance training, such as heel lifts or push-ups while standing at your kitchen counter. You can also perform simple dumbbell workouts or try yoga or dance classes at home.

Opt for Time-Efficient Indoor Workouts

When time is limited during the busy holiday season, focus on time-efficient exercises. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts or circuit training with minimal rest periods can be a great way to get an effective workout in a short amount of time. You can also try indoor rock climbing or indoor ice skating, which can be fun and engaging ways to stay active.

Make Use of Online Resources

Take advantage of the many online resources available for indoor workouts. Look for easy-to-follow workout routines that you can perform anywhere, such as 15-minute ab workouts or 20-minute full-body routines. There are also online fitness apps and virtual classes that can provide structured workout plans and guidance from the comfort of your home.

Set Up a Home Gym

If you have the space and resources, consider setting up a home gym. This can be as simple as having a yoga mat, some dumbbells, and a treadmill or exercise bike. Having your own gym equipment can make it more convenient and motivating to work out, especially when the weather is bad or you don't have time to go to an external gym.

Try Indoor Sports and Activities

The holiday season is a great time to try indoor sports and activities that can keep you active. For example, you could try bowling, dancing, or even indoor rock climbing with friends and family. These activities can be a fun way to bond with loved ones while also staying active and burning off those extra holiday calories!

Set a schedule

Setting a schedule is a great way to stay active during the Christmas period. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

Plan your workouts in advance

Treat your workouts like important appointments and schedule them into your day. Sign up for classes in advance and put them in your calendar. If you're travelling, research gyms or fitness activities near your destination. If you're short on time, plan a shorter, more intense session or one that involves minimal rest periods.

Stick to a routine

Try to stick to your regular workout routine as much as possible. If you usually work out in the morning, continue to do so. If your routine is disrupted, find other ways to be active throughout the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going for a walk.

Be flexible

While it's important to stick to a schedule, it's also crucial to be flexible. The holiday season can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your workout plans if needed. Remember, a shorter workout is still beneficial, and you can always modify your routine to suit your changing priorities.

Make it a family affair

Involve your family in your active pursuits. Go for walks or bike rides together, or even try a family challenge, such as a step-counting competition. You can also suggest active Christmas activities that the whole family can enjoy, like ice skating or bowling.

Set reminders

Use alarms or reminders to help you stay on track. For example, set an alarm to wake up 30 minutes earlier to fit in a morning workout or meal prep. You can also use fitness apps or calendars to schedule your workouts and receive notifications.

Frequently asked questions