10 Ways to Squeeze Fitness Into Your Busy Holiday Schedule

The holiday season inevitably leads to less free time and the disruption of your typical fitness routine. You will most likely be busier than ever. Trying to keep up with everyone’s schedules, holiday parties, and get your holiday shopping completed can leave you feeling like you have zero time for your fitness goals. Here are 10 ways to help you squeeze in some fitness time regardless of how busy you are. 

1. Use a Workout App

If you are someone that typically works out in a gym or goes to fitness classes, then it might feel like you do not have the time to workout along with added driving time. However, you can easily workout at home with the help of an app. There are many options available, and you can surely find something that will be of interest to you.  

2. Invite A Friend

The holidays are usually a time when everyone wants to get together, and that can feel like it is infringing on your fitness routine. A great way to include time with loved ones is to invite them to workout with you. Whether you want to join a workout class together, hit the gym, or just go for a walk or hike, you can include a friend or family member in your workout and continue with your routine while also spending time with someone!

3. Park Your Car Further Away

It may seem simple, but doing something such as parking your car a little further away allows you to get in extra steps. These extra steps will add up quickly if you continue to do this every time you go somewhere. This can be especially beneficial if you are somewhere with a large parking lot, as you can really utilize the extra space to get a short walk-in. 

4. Walk Around The Mall

This time of year almost always involves holiday shopping, so there is no better way to squeeze in a little fitness than by walking laps around the mall. Most malls have plenty of space to walk and encourage yourself to just walk a little further or go past a store you need and then return back to finish shopping. These little things will add up over time and will help you feel great about putting in the effort when you might not have time to workout otherwise. 

5. Sign Up For A Holiday Race

This time of year is perfect to sign up for a fun 5k race. It will give you the option to run or walk, and you can even create a team which is the perfect way to have a holiday event while working out. A fun holiday race is perfect for a family, a group of friends, or even to sign up for with coworkers. Depending on the race, you might also be able to dress up and really have some fun! 

6. Don’t Worry About Time

One of the most important things about working out during the busy holiday season is not to worry about spending the exact same amount of time on your workout. You may be the person who normally goes to an hour workout class or spends 2 hours in the gym, but don’t make it all or nothing when you are busy. Take advantage of an extra 20 or 30 minutes and make the most of it. You can still maintain your routine even if it is not exactly what you are used to. 

7. It Doesn’t Have to Be Daily

Although you may be the person that religiously works out 5 or 6 days per week or you workout on certain days of the week, now is the time to practice flexibility. If you don’t get your full 5 or 6 days in, that is okay. When you are extremely busy, focus on trying to fit in 3 or 4 days of working out. 

8. Just Be Active

Fitness during the holidays may not look like a typical gym workout or workout class. When you are extremely busy, it may look like playing games outside with kids and the dog or enjoying a golf game with old friends. Take advantage of any opportunity to be active, and don’t fret if it is not your usual sweaty workout. 

9. Utilize Your Lunch Break

If you are finding that your evenings and weekends are too busy to fit in time to focus on your fitness, then utilize your lunch break. Whether it is 30 minutes or a full hour, you can fit in some form of activity during this time period. It may not seem ideal, but it could be the best chance to fit in some activity until life slows back down after the holidays. 

10. Try Something New

If you are typically someone who works out at home or spends hours in the gym, then be open to trying something new. It might not be your typical workout, but be okay with taking a run through the park or going for a hike with a family member. Being open to trying new things will allow you to potentially fit in more physical activity than you would have originally planned.

Discover More Holiday Fitness Tips 

Your schedule during the holidays may feel packed full, but with these 10 tips, you can still find time to squeeze fitness into the chaos. You will most likely have to make some adjustments during this time of year, but do not give up entirely on trying to stay active. Looking for more holiday fitness tips? Check out the XTERRA Fitness blog for more.