Keeping up your exercise routine over Christmas will help you stay calm, feel energized, and cope with any seasonal stresses that may come your way. Christina Collison explains how and why you should find time to keep working out.
The Challenge of Staying Active
If you’ve let your workouts lapse over Christmas in the past, you’re not alone. A fitness report released by PureGym last year showed that 30% of people are most likely to reduce or stop exercising in the lead-up to the festive season. Are you going to be one of them, or will you commit to staying active?
It’s understandable that exercise may not be the first thing on your mind over Christmas, even if you normally work out regularly. Routines change at this time of year, and it’s not uncommon to wake up not knowing what day it is. For anyone who likes to be active, it can also be stressful due to family commitments and social gatherings, leaving less time for personal interests like exercise.
However, your mind and body will benefit if you can stay active. You’ll be more patient and better equipped to deal with any seasonal dramas. As tech entrepreneur Nick Braund, who has run 15K on every Christmas morning for more than ten years, puts it: “Your body doesn’t know it’s Christmas.”
How to Make Time for Exercise
Finding time to exercise over Christmas can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By prioritizing exercise and planning ahead, you can stay consistent. Here’s how:
Set Your Intentions
Let your family know you want to keep up your workout routine because it’s good for your health and wellbeing. Explain that taking care of yourself will make you happier, healthier, and more fun to be around.
Plan Your Workouts
Decide when and where you will exercise. Some people prefer early morning workouts before the day takes over, while others opt for evening sessions. Choose a time that works for you and stick to it. If you plan to work out in the evening, be mindful not to overeat or drink during the day to avoid feeling sluggish.
Be Realistic
If you know your schedule will be hectic, set a realistic duration for each workout session. A 20- or 30-minute session is better than skipping exercise altogether. Shorter, achievable workouts will give you a sense of accomplishment.
Work Out with Someone Else
Encourage a family member or friend to join you for a walk, jog, or weights session. You can also incorporate exercise into your day with short walks around the block.
Motivation Through Goal Setting
Set a Longer-Term Goal
Having a specific fitness goal can motivate you and provide a sense of purpose, even in December. For example, commit to completing a certain number of runs or miles in one month, or focus on strength or stretching sessions. Achieving these goals will leave you feeling proud by the end of the year.
Think About the New Year
Christmas is a time for reflection, making it an excellent opportunity to consider your fitness goals for 2025. What would you like to achieve in the new year? Reflect on the importance of your goals, and identify the support and resources you’ll need to succeed.
Success Story: Race At Your Pace
Last December, I signed up for a virtual challenge called Race At Your Pace, committing to running between 50 and 65 miles each month for a year. I’ve just completed the challenge and earned 12 medals. Setting and achieving this long-term goal kept me on track with my fitness all year. For more information, visit Race At Your Pace.
About Christina Collison
Christina Collison is a writer and editor and the former Editor of Women’s Fitness and Women’s Running magazines. She has completed two marathons and 12 half marathons.