Staying Active During the Holidays: 5 Reasons to Keep Moving
The holiday season is a time for family, celebrations, and indulgence. It can also be a time when our regular routines take a backseat. But staying active during the holidays doesn’t have to be about offsetting extra calories or focusing on weight loss. Instead, it’s an opportunity to celebrate movement, maintain strength, and support your mental and physical well-being in ways that go far beyond the scale.
Here are five compelling reasons to keep working out or staying active during the holiday season, supported by research and real-world benefits.
1. Create Structure During Time Off
The holidays often mean time away from work or school, and while the break is welcome, it can sometimes leave us feeling unanchored. Incorporating workouts or active pursuits into your schedule can provide a sense of structure, helping you make the most of your time off.
Research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that routines and habits contribute to a sense of control and overall happiness. Scheduling a morning workout or even a daily walk can set the tone for a productive and enjoyable day, leaving you feeling accomplished and energized.
2. Enjoyment and Exploration
The holidays are the perfect time to try something new. Whether it’s a yoga class, a group hike, or even experimenting with a new piece of equipment at the gym, exploring fresh ways to move can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
A 2019 study in the Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology found that novelty in exercise routines boosts motivation and adherence. Trying a new activity during the holidays not only keeps you active but also adds a sense of excitement to your fitness journey.
3. Maintain Your Year-Long Progress
If you’ve been working hard in the gym all year, the holidays are a great time to maintain your gains. While taking a week or two off won’t erase your progress, staying consistent ensures you’ll hit the ground running in the new year without feeling like you’re starting over.
According to a 2021 review in Sports Medicine, muscle mass and strength can begin to decline within as little as two weeks of inactivity. Engaging in even low-intensity activities can help you preserve the progress you’ve made while giving your body a well-deserved break from intense training.
4. Boost Mental Health and Combat Stress
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be stressful. Between family obligations, financial pressures, and busy schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and improve mental health.
A meta-analysis in Health Psychology Review found that regular physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Even unstructured activities like playing a game of snowball fight with your kids or dancing to holiday music can elevate your mood and help you feel more relaxed.
5. Connect with Others Through Movement
Staying active doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. The holidays are an excellent time to bond with friends and family through movement. Whether it’s a friendly game of tag, a walk after dinner, or attending a group fitness class together, shared physical activities create meaningful memories.
Research in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships highlights how shared experiences, particularly those involving physical activity, strengthen interpersonal bonds. Movement becomes not just an individual pursuit but a way to connect and celebrate the season with loved ones.
Holiday Workouts: Redefining “Exercise”
One of the best things about holiday workouts is that they don’t need to be rigid or overly structured. A holiday “workout” can be anything that keeps you moving, such as:
- Building a snowman or shoveling snow.
- Dancing at a holiday party.
- Playing active games with kids or pets.
- Walking through a holiday market or neighborhood light display.
The goal is to stay active in ways that feel joyful and natural, rather than focusing on strict routines.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time to celebrate, and staying active can enhance that celebration by keeping you feeling strong, happy, and connected. Whether you’re maintaining your fitness progress, reducing stress, or simply having fun with loved ones, movement is a gift you can give yourself.
At White Lion Strong Gym, we encourage you to view fitness as a way to enhance your life, not just during the holidays but all year long. So, lace up your shoes, grab your family, and get moving — because health and strength are always in season.
