10 Essential Fitness Strategies for the Holiday Season

The holidays are here! As we dive into the season, Joan Pagano has some easy and effective fitness tips to help you stay active and healthy. Give them a shot and you’ll breeze through the holidays!

The bustling holiday season can easily throw you off your fitness game with all the parties, travel, and changes to your routine. Here’s how you can plan ahead and keep fit even when things get busy. Check out these 10 tips:

1. Make movement a daily habit. Consistency in your daily routines is key to staying on track with your fitness goals.

2. Think “activity” rather than “workout.” Look for chances to be active throughout your day like walking to work, taking the stairs, or even doing household chores energetically.

3. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. You can break this into shorter 10 or 15-minute sessions, and it can be just as effective as longer workouts. Try taking a few short walks daily.

4. Simple exercises can give you a full-body workout without any equipment. Do sets of 10-15 push-ups, squats, and crunches every other day. If it’s too easy, add another set.

5. Offset the negative effects of sitting for long periods. Every hour, stand up and move around for at least five minutes.

6. Track your steps with a smartphone, pedometer, or similar device. Start with your average steps and aim to increase by 1,000 steps each week until you reach 10,000 steps a day.

7. Use small moments to fit in exercise, whether you’re at the kitchen sink, sitting at your desk, or relaxing on the couch.

8. Improve your balance by standing on one leg while brushing your teeth.

9. Do range of motion exercises in the shower. The warm, moist air helps loosen stiff hands and fingers.

10. Stretch at the end of the day to relieve tension and sleep better. For best results, stretch daily but at least 2-3 times a week.

Remember, you don’t need to commit to intense workout regimes or restrict yourself to eating only healthy foods. Just incorporate some of these tips into your holiday routine to stay fit and enjoy the season!