Christmas is a time for celebrating with friends and family, enjoying delicious food, and, of course, taking some well-deserved time off from work. However, all the festive indulgence and downtime can make it hard to stay active. With the combination of cold weather, shorter days, and tempting treats, it’s easy to slip into a sedentary routine. But fear not—staying active during the holiday season is not only possible, but it’s also a great way to boost your mood, improve your energy levels, and help keep stress at bay.
Here are some simple and fun ideas to keep moving across the next few weeks:
1. Take Advantage of Festive Walks
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. With so many light displays and festive decorations around, why not take a stroll after dinner or in the afternoon? Whether you’re walking around your neighbourhood, visiting a local park, or going to see local friends, this activity can help you stay active while soaking in the seasonal spirit.
Tip: If the weather is chilly, bundle up and enjoy the crisp air. Or, take a stroll in a local shopping centre for indoor walking to stay warm.
2. Host an Active Get Together
Instead of the usual holiday party centered around food and drinks, why not try something a little different this year? Host an active gathering where guests are encouraged to participate in a game or challenge. You can organise a snowball fight (if you're in a snowy area), a scavenger hunt, or a Christmas-themed relay race. Even something as simple as a dance-off can get everyone moving and laughing.
Tip: If you’re hosting a virtual gathering, encourage everyone to do a 5-minute stretch or light exercise before chatting.
3. Incorporate Family Fitness
‘Tis the season to spend time with loved ones, so why not turn family gatherings into a chance to get active together? Whether it’s playing a game of touch football, going ice skating, or taking a group exercise class, there are plenty of activities that can be fun and active. These shared experiences can be a great way to bond while boosting your fitness.
Tip: Plan a “family fitness challenge” where everyone logs their steps and competes for a small prize.
4. Make Use of Your Time Off
The extra time off during over Christmas and NY offers the perfect opportunity to try something new. Why not take up a new hobby that keeps you moving? Sign up for a local fun run or charity walk, try a winter sports class (like skiing or snowboarding), or explore an indoor fitness activity like a dance or boxing class.
Tip: If you prefer staying at home, there are plenty of online workout classes—whether it’s a HIIT session, strength, or a fun dance routine—that you can easily do from the comfort of your living room (we’ve got a good app for that!).
5. Set a Daily Exercise Routine
It’s easy to let daily exercise slip when you’re busy with social events, but setting aside just 20–30 minutes each day can make a world of difference. Try to find a time that works best for you—whether it’s before work, during your lunch break, or after dinner. Consider a quick bodyweight workout, a brisk walk, or a short bike ride to stay on track.
Tip: Plan your workouts ahead of time and schedule them into your calendar just like any other important event.
6. Stretch and Move While Watching TV
If you're planning to catch up on your favourite festive movies, why not use that time to incorporate some stretching or light movement? During adverts or while waiting for the next scene to start, do some squats, lunges, or even some yoga poses. It may not feel like a workout, but these mini movements add up throughout the day.
Tip: Try a “Christmas Movie Stretching Challenge”—every time a certain phrase or action happens in the movie (like someone saying "Merry Christmas"), do a set of stretches or squats!
7. Stay Active While Shopping
Christmas prep or Boxing Day sales often means long hours walking around shops. Why not make the most of it? Instead of using the escalator or elevator, take the stairs. Park farther away from the entrance and walk, or do laps around the shop before checking out.
Tip: Turn shopping trips into a step challenge—try to walk at least 10,000 steps while out running errands!
8. Do a 12 Days of Fitness Countdown
For a fun and structured way to stay active, consider doing a “12 Days of Fitness” challenge. On each day leading up to the holiday, commit to doing a different workout or exercise. For example, Day 1 could be 10 push-ups, Day 2 could be a 15-minute walk, and so on. By the end of the 12 days, you’ll have completed a variety of exercises to stay fit.
Tip: You can tailor the workouts to suit your fitness level, and involve your family or friends for extra motivation.
9. Stay Hydrated and Mindful of Your Eating
While staying physically active is important, don’t forget that nutrition plays a big role in overall well-being, especially during the Christmas season. Opt for balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Also, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid the temptation to overeat due to stress or socialising.
Tip: Before indulging in a treat, take a moment to appreciate it and savour it slowly—it can help you feel satisfied with smaller portions!
Don't let the festive season put your fitness goals on hold. By staying creative and planning fun activities with family and friends, you can enjoy the festivities while also staying active and feeling your best. Whether it’s through outdoor adventures, family-friendly games, or simple daily habits, there are endless ways to move and keep your energy levels up.
Remember, the holidays are a time for joy, so make staying active part of the celebration!
Merry Christmas!
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