The holiday season is a whirlwind of celebrations, family gatherings, and delicious food. But amid the festivities, it’s easy to lose sight of our fitness goals. This December, we want to remind you that it’s possible to stay active while enjoying everything the holidays have to offer—and even better, you can combine fitness with giving back to your community.
Here’s how to maintain your fitness routine during the holidays and make a positive impact on those around you.
1. Make Movement a Tradition
The holidays are filled with traditions—why not make movement one of them? Instead of focusing solely on the food or lounging around after big meals, consider activities that keep you moving. Organize a family walk after dinner, play a friendly game of flag football, or even take part in a holiday fun run. Many communities host turkey trots or jingle bell runs in which the proceeds go to local charities. You get your workout in while supporting a great cause.
2. Give the Gift of Time and Fitness
This season, why not combine your fitness routine with acts of kindness? Volunteering is a great way to stay active while giving back. Consider signing up to help at a local food bank, walking dogs at an animal shelter, or participating in a charity walk or event. Activities like these keep you on your feet, burn calories, and allow you to make a difference in your community.
3. Prioritize Short, High-Intensity Workouts
We know time can be tight with all the holiday events, shopping, and gatherings. If you're struggling to find time for your usual workout routine, focus on short, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. These workouts can be as short as 15 to 20 minutes but still give you a great calorie burn. Better yet, HIIT workouts can be done anywhere, whether you're traveling to visit family or staying at home.
4. Incorporate Family and Friends
One of the best ways to stay active during the holidays is to involve your family and friends. Encourage your loved ones to join you in a morning workout, a group yoga session, or an outdoor hike. Not only will this keep you all moving, but it will also create lasting memories. And, as we often remind our clients, leading by example can inspire others to make healthier choices too.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays are a busy time, and it’s okay if your workout routine looks a little different. The key is consistency, not perfection. Set realistic goals for the season. Instead of aiming for five gym sessions a week, focus on staying active in small ways, whether that’s a quick home workout, walking extra laps around the mall while shopping, or using a pedometer to track your steps.
6. Make It About More Than Fitness
Remember, staying fit during the holidays is about more than just physical health. By staying active, you’re also boosting your mental and emotional well-being during what can be a stressful season. Combine that with giving back, and you’ll find that both your body and heart are stronger and healthier.
Final Thoughts: Balance Is Key
The holidays should be a time of joy and celebration, not stress over missed workouts or overindulging. By finding ways to stay active that fit naturally into the season and involve giving back, you can create a balanced approach to health and happiness.
LyngsoFit.com