The holiday season offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, practice gratitude, and spend quality time with the people we love. It’s a welcome break from our normal routines, a chance to linger over festive feasts, and enjoy cozy days indoors.
As luxurious as this time can feel, hitting “vacation mode” for too long can sometimes disrupt healthy habits we’ve worked hard to build, which can impact our mobility and overall well-being. Many people find that an extended period of inactivity leads to stiffness, soreness, and a general sense of fatigue.
The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice holiday fun to maintain your health. By being intentional and creative with ways to keep your body moving, you can prevent these symptoms from setting in and feel your best throughout the long winter months.
Myths and misconceptions about “staying active”
When we think about “staying active” during the holidays, there are a lot of opinions and depictions that lead to misconceptions that feel overwhelming or unrealistic.
One common myth is that you need to maintain the same level of activity you did during the summer. We want to be kind with the high standard you may have had when the days were warm and bright. If you used to take an evening walk every night, for example, but now your neighborhood is covered in a foot of snow, you don’t have to force yourself to take up snowshoeing just to meet a too-strict fitness quota.
Another misconception is that working out must be your top priority at all times; meaning you may have to skip seeing friends because your workout schedule doesn’t line up with their availability. This “all or nothing” mindset can backfire in the long run because rather than being something that feels good and empowering, it breeds resentment and FOMO.
Finally, for snowy areas, staying active in winter doesn’t mean you have to take up a specific winter sport or join an expensive gym. While these are great options if you enjoy them and have the means, they aren’t necessary. The goal is to integrate movement into your life in a way that feels good to you and your loved ones, without missing out on what makes the season special.
Simple ways to move your body this winter
Staying active doesn’t require a membership or expensive equipment. There are plenty of simple, accessible, and often free ways to incorporate movement into your holiday routine, whether you’re indoors or enjoying the crisp winter air.
Indoor activities
- Dance party: Put on your favorite tunes and have a dance party in your living room. It’s a fun way to get your heart rate up whether you’re home alone or with family or friends.
- Stretching breaks: We all have our favorite holiday movies, and movie marathons may be a staple hobby this time of year. Just remember to take breaks to stretch as often as you can. Simple stretches for your neck, shoulders, back, and legs can relieve stiffness and improve flexibility.
- Active chores: Turn up the music and tackle some household chores with a bit more energy. Vigorous cleaning, vacuuming, or rearranging furniture can be a surprisingly good workout. Plus you’ll feel great about how your space looks when you’re done.
- Stair climbing: If you have stairs in your home, make a point to go up and down them a few extra times each day.
- Online fitness classes: If you’re looking for something with guidance, there are thousands of hours of fitness classes and instructors for everything under the sun. Find something you enjoy and follow along from the comfort of your home.
Outdoor activities
- Go for a walk: A brisk walk is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. Invite a friend or family member to join you for a stroll around the neighborhood to look at holiday lights.
- Visit a park: Local parks are often less crowded when it’s cold out, and offer a peaceful setting for a walk or light jog.
- Ice skating: Many towns have outdoor ice skating rinks during the holidays. It’s a festive activity that provides a great lower-body workout.
- Build a snowman: If you’re lucky enough to have snow, embrace your inner child! Building a snowman or having a neighborhood snowball fight is a playful way to get moving.
The key is to find activities you genuinely enjoy. When movement feels like play instead of a chore, you’re much more likely to stick with it.
The benefits of starting now
A surprisingly large number of people wait until the new year to set health and fitness goals, not in small part due to wanting to fully embrace the holiday season. But there are significant advantages to starting before the calendar flips to January:
Habits take time to form, and starting early without the pressure of a New Year’s resolution can make the process feel more natural and less stressful. When you gradually build momentum, a resolution becomes an extension of what you’re already doing, rather than a daunting brand-new commitment.
Furthermore, getting a head start gives at least a temporary logistical benefit: you avoid the January rush at the gym. If part of your plans involve a gym membership, not only will the facilities be less crowded in December, but you may even find unique offers or off-season pricing available.
Finally, a lot of people looking to start a new healthy routine that involves some form of exercise can benefit from a little guidance. This is even more important for those who have existing health conditions or who may be vulnerable to injury. Physical therapy clinics, for example, may have more availability before January, allowing you to get a professional evaluation without a long wait.
Move with confidence this season
Staying active during the holidays is about finding a healthy, joyful balance that works for you. It’s about feeling good in your body so you can fully embrace the season with energy and enthusiasm.
If you’re unsure where to start or have concerns about your mobility, seeking professional guidance is a great first step. A physical therapist can provide a professional evaluation of your overall health and create a personalized plan to help you move safely and effectively.
Find an Alliance Partner clinic near you to get a conversation started about how you can find small but meaningful ways to make your holidays healthier.