The festive season is a time of joy, indulgence, and spending time with loved ones. But with parties, cosy evenings in, and all the delicious food, it’s easy for physical activity to take a back seat. Staying active over Christmas doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun or still having to go to the gym five times a week—it’s all about finding balance. Here are ten practical tips to help you stay moving while still making the most of the holiday season.

Start Your Day with a Walk

A morning walk is a great way to start your day, especially during Christmas. It helps clear your mind, gets your body moving, and lets you enjoy the crisp winter air. Whether it’s a solo stroll or a family outing, it’s an easy way to stay active. Aim for at least 30 minutes, and make the most of the festive atmosphere by admiring the Christmas lights or enjoying the peaceful streets.

Add Movement to Your Traditions

Why not bring a bit of activity into your family traditions? After Christmas lunch, instead of heading straight for the sofa, head out for a walk together. Or make your family games more active—think charades, scavenger hunts, or even a snowball fight if the weather permits (we can dream in the UK, right?!?). Small changes like these can help everyone stay a little more active without even realising it.

Embrace Festive Activities

The holiday season offers plenty of opportunities to keep moving. Ice skating, walking around Christmas markets, or even carrying heavy shopping bags while gift shopping can all count as exercise. These activities are enjoyable and often don’t feel like a workout, so they’re perfect for staying active during the holidays.

Try Short, Effective Workouts

You don’t need to spend hours exercising to make a difference. A 15- to 20-minute workout can be just as effective. Bodyweight circuits, like squats, push-ups, lunges, and planks, are great for a quick session at home. HIIT workouts are another good option—alternate 30 seconds of intense effort (like jumping jacks) with 30 seconds of rest. Doing this first thing in the morning can set you up for the day and leave you free to enjoy the festivities.

Make Use of Home Workouts

With gyms often closed or schedules packed, home workouts are a lifesaver. They’re convenient and don’t require fancy equipment. Even just a yoga mat or resistance bands can help. For a bit of fun, try a Christmas-themed workout—do 12 squats, 11 push-ups, 10 lunges on each leg, and so on, working your way through the “12 Days of Christmas.”

Combine Socialising with Activity

Spending time with loved ones doesn’t always have to involve sitting around. Plan activities that keep you moving while enjoying each other’s company. Go for a group hike, join a festive fun run, or organise a game of football in the park.

Keep Up Everyday Movement

Everyday activities can help you stay active without too much effort. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk while you’re on the phone, or park further away from shops to get in extra steps. These little things add up and can make a big difference during a busy festive season.

Set Realistic Goals

The holidays aren’t the time for pushing yourself to the limit with fitness goals. Instead, aim for something manageable that helps you maintain your current activity levels. For example, try walking 7,000 steps a day or fitting in three short workouts a week. By keeping your goals realistic, you’ll avoid unnecessary pressure and enjoy the season more.

Focus on Active Recovery

Staying active doesn’t always mean high-energy workouts. Active recovery, like stretching, yoga, or foam rolling, can help keep your body moving while also giving it the chance to rest. These gentle activities are perfect for releasing tension and improving mobility, especially if you’ve been sitting more than usual.

Get the Whole Family Involved

Exercising with others can make it more enjoyable and keep you accountable. Organise family-friendly activities like yoga sessions, fitness challenges (who can hold a plank the longest?), or even long dog walks if you have a pet. It’s a great way to spend quality time together while staying active.

Don’t Forget to Rest

Finally, remember that rest is just as important as staying active. The festive season is about balance, and taking a day off to recharge is perfectly fine. Giving yourself time to relax will leave you feeling more energised and motivated when you do get moving.