The festive period is a time for celebration, delicious food, and quality time with loved ones. But it can also be a time when fitness takes a backseat. Between holiday meals, indulgent treats, and the hustle and bustle of parties and events, it's easy to slip out of your usual fitness routine. However, staying active over the holidays doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a few simple strategies, you can maintain your health, enjoy the festivities, and even start the new year feeling stronger than ever!

Here are some practical tips to help you stay fit and active this festive season:

1. Incorporate Movement Into Festive Activities

The holidays are full of activities that provide great opportunities for staying active. Instead of sitting for hours at family gatherings, try to find ways to move throughout the day. A few ideas include:

• Walk after meals: After a big holiday dinner, take a walk around the block. It helps with digestion and gives you a chance to get some fresh air.
• Host a holiday scavenger hunt: If you have kids or grandkids around, organise a scavenger hunt that gets everyone moving.
• Go ice skating or sledging: If you're in a region with winter weather, these activities are fun and provide great cardiovascular exercise.

2. Set Realistic Fitness Goals

The holiday season is busy, and your usual workout routine might not always be realistic during this time. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to meet your usual fitness milestones, set small, achievable goals:

• Commit to short workouts: Even a 10- to 20-minute workout is better than nothing. You can fit in a quick session in the morning before the festivities begin or as a break between holiday activities.
• Track your steps: Aim for 7,000–10,000 steps a day. Use a pedometer or fitness tracker to keep yourself motivated to walk more.

3. Add Pilates to Your Routine

If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective workout during the festive season, Pilates is an excellent choice. Not only does Pilates improve flexibility and posture, but it’s also low-impact and can be done at home without any special equipment.

• Pilates for digestion: After a heavy festive meal, a few Pilates stretches can help relieve bloating and tension. Try a simple spine twist to engage your core and ease any discomfort.
• Quick Pilates routine: Dedicate just 10-15 minutes in the morning to a Pilates routine that focuses on strengthening your core and improving your flexibility. Pilates exercises such as the hundred, roll-ups, or the saware ideal for a quick, effective workout that won't take much time.

4. Try Holiday-Themed Workouts

There’s no reason why your workouts can’t be festive and fun! Get creative with your exercise routine by incorporating holiday-themed movements:

• "Santa’s Workout": Do a series of holiday-themed exercises, such as squats (Santa’s sleigh) or jumping jacks (snowflakes falling).
• Christmas Tree Planks: Hold a plank position while pretending to hang ornaments. You can even make it a game with your kids or family!

5. Make Time for Regular Exercise

Even with a packed holiday schedule, try to carve out time for regular exercise. This might mean waking up a little earlier to fit in a morning workout or scheduling a time during the day when you're least busy.

• Morning exercise routine: If the evenings are full of parties or other events, try starting your day with a workout. A morning sweat session will leave you feeling energised and ready to take on the festivities.
• Plan your workouts in advance: Mark your workout sessions in your calendar just like any other important event. Treat your fitness time as non-negotiable.

6. Stay Hydrated

With all the festive treats and meals, it’s easy to forget the importance of hydration. Staying hydrated will help maintain your energy levels, aid digestion, and curb cravings for sugary snacks.

• Drink before you eat: Drinking a glass of water before meals can help you feel full, reducing the temptation to overeat during holiday feasts.
• Swap sugary drinks: While it’s tempting to indulge in cocktails, eggnog, or sugary sodas, try to balance these with water or herbal teas. A bottle of water with you at all times will remind you to stay hydrated.

7. Focus on Balanced Nutrition

Food is a major part of holiday celebrations, and while it’s okay to indulge, make sure you're nourishing your body with the right nutrients.

• Eat mindfully: Pay attention to portion sizes and savour your food instead of mindlessly eating. This will help you avoid overeating and make you feel more satisfied.
• Include healthy snacks: Keep healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and vegetables nearby to help resist the temptation of sugary treats.
• Balance indulgence with nourishment: If you're attending a big dinner, try to balance it with a healthy breakfast and lunch to keep your energy up and prevent overindulging.

8. Get the Whole Family Involved

One of the best ways to stay active over the holidays is to involve the whole family. You can make fitness a part of your family traditions by organising fun activities that everyone can enjoy.

• Family yoga or stretching session: This can be a fun way to bond and stay flexible after a big meal.
• Active games: Whether it’s a game of touch football, a dance-off, or a holiday-themed obstacle course, getting everyone moving is a great way to stay active.

9. Sleep Well

Getting enough sleep is vital to maintaining your energy levels and staying fit. The holiday season can be chaotic, and late nights are often part of the deal. But don’t neglect your sleep – it’s essential for recovery and keeping your metabolism functioning properly.

• Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed at the same time each night, even if you have a lot of holiday events to attend.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: The stress of the season can make it hard to unwind. Consider winding down with a warm bath, reading a book, or practising some gentle stretches before bed.

10. Stay Positive and Flexible

Lastly, don’t stress over trying to stay perfectly fit during the holidays. It’s important to enjoy the season without guilt. Fitness is a journey, not a destination. If you miss a workout or indulge a little too much, don’t be hard on yourself. Stay positive, be flexible, and focus on making healthy choices most of the time.

Final Thoughts

The festive season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. While it may seem challenging to stay fit amidst all the festivities, it’s completely doable with a little planning and creativity. Whether you're squeezing in quick Pilates workouts, staying active during family gatherings, or making mindful food choices, your health and fitness can remain a priority throughout the season. And when the new year rolls around, you’ll be glad you made the effort to stay active and maintain your well-being!

Happy holidays – and keep moving!