5 Tips for Staying Active During the Holiday Season

5 Tips for Staying Active During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here! This festive time of year often means six weeks of parties, big meals, shopping, decorating, and traveling. But it’s also when staying consistent with your health goals can feel like the ultimate challenge. Research shows that skipping regular exercise can lead to metabolic changes, and even a small amount of weight gain during the holidays can have long-term health consequences. So how can you indulge in the season's joys while staying on track with your fitness? Follow these updated tips to keep moving and maintain your health through the holidays!

1. Schedule Your Workouts

You’ve heard it before, and it’s worth repeating: the best way to ensure you exercise is to schedule it. During the holidays, your calendar fills up fast, so make exercise a "non-negotiable" part of your day. Think of it as a gift to yourself—improving your health and ensuring better energy for all the celebrations.

If you’re traveling, pack workout gear and plan ahead. Research your hotel gym or local fitness options at your destination. Let your family know you’re committed to staying active; they might even want to join you!

2. Stay Active by Walking

After a holiday meal, instead of lounging around, get outside for a family walk. It’s a great way to digest, bond, and enjoy fresh air. Exploring a new town? Walk to take in the sights. If it’s too cold, head to an indoor mall for a few laps while checking off your gift list.

Flying? Skip the moving walkways, take the stairs, and park farther from the terminal. Small changes like these can add up to significant activity.

3. Embrace Seasonal Activities

The holidays offer plenty of unique ways to stay active. Look for local holiday-themed fitness events like Turkey Trots, Jingle Bell Runs, or New Year’s Day workouts. Your local gym might even have festive classes or membership specials.

Feeling adventurous? Try ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding. These activities double as fun and exercise, making your holiday season even more memorable.

4. Balance Cardio and Strength Training

Don’t let holiday indulgences tempt you into only doing cardio. Strength training is just as important! Taking a break from building muscle can lead to negative health changes, even over a short period.

Aim for at least two strength training sessions per week along with 150 minutes of moderate cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio weekly. If you’re crunched for time, try high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which combines strength and cardio into a 15–30 minute workout.

5. Don’t Sweat Setbacks—Just Get Back on Track

Missed a workout? Overdid it at a party? It happens! Don’t let guilt derail you. Instead, focus on resetting. Remember your health goals and the reasons they matter to you. The holidays are about joy and connection, and staying active can help you enjoy them fully without sacrificing your progress.

By finishing the year strong, you’ll set yourself up for success come January 1. Instead of starting over, you’ll already be ahead!

This holiday season, keep your health and fitness a priority—it’s the best gift you can give yourself!