Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year - full of celebration, indulgence, and connection with loved ones. But it’s also a time when routines can easily slip, especially when it comes to staying active.
Staying active during the holidays isn’t about guilt or burning off indulgences - it’s about boosting energy, reducing stress, and starting the New Year feeling your best. With a little planning and a few small changes, you can enjoy the season to the fullest while keeping your health on track.
To help, I’ve put together my top tips and a free Festive Fitness Cheat Sheet packed with quick, actionable advice. Let’s dive in.
1. Make Walking a Festive Tradition
Walking is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stay active - and the holidays provide plenty of opportunities to build it into your day.
We’ve made it a tradition to go for a long walk with the dog, Padmè, on Christmas morning. The fresh air and cheerful atmosphere make it the perfect start to the festivities. Boxing Day is another great time to get outdoors - seeing families with new bikes and kids playing in the park is such a boost.
Walking isn’t just enjoyable; it has powerful health benefits too. A brisk 20-minute walk can stabilise blood sugar levels after a meal, improve digestion, and clear your mind.
Even a short walk can boost your mood and energy levels - focus on what you can do, even on busy days.
Pro Tip: Create a walking tradition with family or friends - whether it’s a morning stroll before the festivities or an evening walk to admire the Christmas lights.
2. Turn Activity Into Family Fun
The holidays are all about spending time together, so why not make movement part of the fun? Active traditions like a friendly football match, a winter treasure hunt, or a Christmas dance-off are fantastic ways to stay moving while connecting with loved ones.
Exercising with others isn’t just enjoyable - it’s also proven to improve motivation. Plus, when it’s part of the celebration, it doesn’t feel like “exercise.”
Some of my favourite holiday memories come from getting outside with family - whether it’s walking, playing games, or just having fun together.
Pro Tip: Plan a festive scavenger hunt or play active video games with the kids - everyone will stay engaged, and it’s guaranteed laughter.
3. Shift Your Perspective: Small Steps Matter
Many people fall into the “all-or-nothing” trap during the holidays, thinking a missed workout means failure. But small actions add up over time. Every bit of movement you fit in contributes to your health and well-being.
Try these easy ways to stay active:
Do 10 squats or lunges while the kettle boils.
Stretch during ad breaks of your favourite Christmas film.
Have a quick dance-off to your favourite Christmas songs.
Remember, movement doesn’t have to be perfect - it just has to be consistent. Small steps can lead to big wins.
Pro Tip: Download our Festive Fitness Cheat Sheet for even more quick, easy ideas to stay active over the festive season.
4. Plan Ahead to Stay Accountable
The holidays can feel chaotic, so having a plan makes all the difference. Treat your daily walk or workout like any other appointment - schedule it into your day and stick to it.
I always recommend keeping it simple:
A 10-minute bodyweight workout in the morning.
A daily walk, ideally outside for fresh air and daylight.
Prioritising protein-rich meals to keep you energised and full.
If you’re travelling, pack resistance bands or save a quick workout to your phone. Even a little preparation can help you stay on track.
5. Don’t Wait for January
Many people wait until the New Year to make a fresh start, but why put off feeling good? Starting small, sustainable habits now will set you up for long-term success.
By making small changes during the holidays, you’ll enter January with momentum. Instead of feeling sluggish or overwhelmed, you’ll feel confident, energised, and ready to keep progressing.
You’ll start the New Year ahead of the game, with habits in place and a clear path to success. Why wait?
Your Free FESTIVE Fitness Cheat Sheet
To make staying active even easier, I’ve put together a free Festive Fitness Cheat Sheet. It’s packed with:
Quick workout ideas you can do at home.
Simple movement tips to fit into your day.
Strategies to balance festive indulgences with healthy habits.
Download it now and start feeling your best this holiday season.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time to enjoy yourself - but that doesn’t mean putting your health on hold. By making small, joyful movements part of your routine, you’ll feel energised, connected, and ready to embrace the season fully.
At Pinnacle Strength Lab, we believe fitness should fit into your life - not the other way around. If you’re ready to stay active during the holidays or start the New Year strong, book a free consultation today. Let’s create a personalised plan that works for you.
About the Author
James Stoddart-Burrows MSc MA CSCS PICP
James holds an MSc and Masters in Sports Science; he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Poliquin International Certification Program (PICP) coach. James brings over two decades of experience in personal training and strength coaching. Having trained NFL players, elite athletes, and high-profile professionals at some of the world’s top-tier facilities, James combines exceptional expertise with a passion for helping clients achieve transformative results. Now, he brings the same premium service to his home town with Pinnacle Strength Lab, a private gym and personal training facility based in Medstead, near Alton, Hampshire. James specialises in sustainable fat loss, building strength, injury rehabilitation and strength and conditioning for athletic performance, offering bespoke coaching tailored to every client’s goals.
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