With all the holiday festivities, it can be easy to let our fitness goals slip away. But staying active during the holidays doesn't have to be a chore—in fact, it can be fun and fulfilling for the whole family!

Here are some family-friendly ways to stay fit and active during the holidays while still enjoying the magic.

 

Be intentional about scheduling time to work out.

The holidays can be hectic, with gatherings, shopping, and more. That’s why it’s essential to carve out time for exercise. Being intentional in scheduling your workouts rather than saying you’ll get to them eventually ensures they don’t get lost in the holiday shuffle. Create a routine that works for you, and stick with it as much as possible.

 

Shorten your workouts but increase the frequency.

If the thought of heading to the gym for an hour sounds daunting with your busy holiday schedule, try a different approach. Shortening your routines but making them more frequent is a great way to stay active without feeling overwhelmed.

Instead of trying to squeeze in an hour-long session at the gym, consider doing 10- to 20-minute routines when you find breaks throughout the day. You could do a quick workout before breakfast, a short stretch after lunch, and another brief session after dinner. These mini-workouts can keep you moving without missing out on any of the holiday fun.

 

Stay active as a family.

The holidays are about family. With this in mind, one of the best ways to stay fit and active during the holidays is to include your family as much as possible. Whether it’s playing a game in the yard, going for a family walk after dinner, or participating in a holiday 5K, there are plenty of fun ways you can stay active as a family.

 

Find creative or useful ways to get moving.

A workout doesn’t have to be at the gym. There are plenty of things you can do around the house that will get your body moving. Cleaning the house or doing last-minute yard work are great examples of this. From squatting to reach low places to building arm strength by shoveling snow, these useful tasks can also give your body a workout.

 

Stay hydrated.

With all the holiday treats and beverages, it’s easy to forget about hydration. But staying hydrated is crucial to keeping your energy up and your body feeling good. Aim to drink water throughout the day, especially before and after meals or holiday events.

 

Maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

From waking up early to prep for family coming over to staying up late talking over hot cocoa, the holidays have a tendency to mess up sleep schedules. But, getting enough rest is crucial for staying healthy and energized. Try to stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on busy days, to ensure your body gets the sleep it needs to stay active and fully enjoy the holiday festivities.

 

Utilize virtual fitness classes or groups.

Can’t make it to the gym? No problem! Virtual fitness platforms like YMCA360 offer access to fitness routines from anywhere. These online workouts can be a great way to squeeze in some exercise between holiday activities, all from the comfort of your home. Plus, they’re on-demand, meaning you can pause any workout and come back to it later.

 

Be realistic about what you can and want to do.

Let’s face it—it’s the holidays! You deserve to enjoy them without the pressure of hitting every fitness goal perfectly. Be realistic about what you can and want to do. If you can only fit in a short walk, that’s perfectly fine. The key is to keep moving in a way that works for you.

 

Remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Don’t stress too much about your fitness goals—just focus on staying active in fun and creative ways. By being intentional, realistic, and flexible, you can keep your body moving while still making the most of the season.

 

 

The Lafayette Family YMCA is a community dedicated to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.