The holidays are fast approaching, and we all know how chaotic things can get. With family gatherings, holiday shopping, and more indulgent treats than we care to admit, it’s easy to let fitness slide. But if you start building a routine now, you’ll keep moving and feel good while enjoying the season.
Here are five tips to help you stay on track and set some realistic, end-of-year goals:
1. Keep Workouts Short & Sweet
Time is tight during the holiday season, so keep your workouts quick and effective. You don’t need hours at the gym—just 20-30 minutes a few times a week can make a huge difference. Stick to exercises that work multiple muscle groups, like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is perfect for this time of year. It’s short, efficient, and gets results fast.
2. Set SMART Goals
Goals like “I want to get fit before the holidays” won’t do the trick. You need SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Try something like, “I’ll work out for 30 minutes, three times a week, until New Year’s.” It’s clear, doable, and keeps you focused.
3. Schedule It Like an Appointment
The holiday to-do list is never-ending, right? That’s why your workout time needs to be sacred. Put it on your calendar like any other important appointment. Whether it’s an early morning session or a quick workout over lunch, make sure nothing bumps it off your schedule. Even a quick 15-minute workout is better than nothing.
4. Find a Buddy or Accountability Partner
When the holiday distractions hit, it’s easy to skip workouts. That’s where accountability comes in. Find a workout buddy or join a fitness challenge to keep you on track. And speaking of accountability, I run a yearly Holiday Accountability Challenge that starts on November 4th. It’s designed to help you stay consistent and motivated through the holidays, with support from others facing the same challenges. You can register here: https://go.ironlegionscarborough.com/nutrition-challenge. There’s nothing like a little extra support to keep you going when things get busy!
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t stress about hitting big, long-term goals during the holidays. Instead, focus on small wins you can celebrate along the way. Got in three workouts this week? That’s a win! Did an extra push-up or held your plank for longer? Celebrate it! These little victories add up and keep your momentum going.
The holidays don’t have to mean putting your fitness on pause. By starting now and focusing on small, achievable goals, you’ll stay on track and head into the new year already ahead. Keep your workouts short, stay accountable (hint: join my challenge!), and celebrate those small wins along the way. As Yoda said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” So why not do it and enjoy the holidays while staying healthy?
