Staying fit over the holidays can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The holiday season, especially the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s, is often filled with rich foods, social gatherings, and travel, leaving little room for regular exercise. However, with a few smart strategies, you can maintain your fitness routine and still enjoy the festivities. In this article, we’ve gathered tips to stay fit over the holidays from personal trainers at ClubSport to help you stay motivated and healthy during this indulgent time of year.
Antje Fimmel, ClubSport Oregon
How do you stay motivated during the holidays?
Motivation can be unreliable, especially during the holidays, which is why I rely on habit and self-care to stay fit. Fitness is part of my lifestyle, and I know the mental and physical benefits of staying active are worth the effort. One of my top tips to stay fit over the holidays is to focus on maintaining your routine and treating it as non-negotiable self-care.
What is your holiday sweet substitution?
Really good dark chocolate — but only a nibble! My go-to faves: Lindt A Touch of Sea Salt EXCELLENCE Bar or dark chocolate-covered almonds with sea salt.
What holiday song makes you break a sweat?
Bruce Springsteen’s “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
Andre Farnell, Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek
What are some fun healthy activities the whole family can take part in?
Engage in charitable events like 5K and 10K runs or volunteer at local soup kitchens. These activities not only support your physical health but also enhance mental and spiritual well-being, which is crucial for staying balanced during the holidays. Family activities like these are one of my top tips to stay fit over the holidays.
What is your go-to, on-the-run, be-done-anywhere workout?
Do this ladder workout as fast as possible: one push-up, one sit-up, one squat, then two push-ups, two sit-ups, two squats, etc., until you get to 10. Take a break and record the time. Then do it again and try to match or beat your previous mark. It’s a great cardio workout and also a total-body muscle endurance challenge.
What holiday song makes you break a sweat?
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run DMC.
Ann Affinito, Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek
What are some fun healthy activities the whole family can take part in?
I grew up on the East Coast, so I love winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing. But long walks or hikes are a great way to stay active and spend time together as a family. These simple yet effective activities are excellent tips to stay fit over the holidays.
How do you stay motivated during the holidays?
For a lot of people, health and wellness get pushed to the side during the holiday season, but having a plan does work. Do something active every day, even if it’s a walk around the block. I know that when I don’t focus on my nutrition, I don’t feel my best even if I keep my regular workouts. I work too hard to stay in shape and I keep that thought in my head when there’s so much temptation around. Sugar is the enemy and everything in moderation is the key!
What holiday song makes you break a sweat?
“Jingle Bells.” I have a cardio Christmas CD that I play every year in my classes and this is the song I love the most.
Cheri Bell, ClubSport Fremont
What is your holiday sweet substitution?
I don’t say no to everything, but I do limit sweets to a small piece or a taste. If I want a piece of pie, I’ll have it, but I’ll make sure it’s a tiny piece and only one. I don’t use the holidays as an excuse to go crazy. I still eat right and only indulge on special occasions. Think cheat meal, not cheat day — and only once, not every day!
What are some fun healthy activities the whole family can take part in?
My family and I hike, walk, and run. We like to do small runs together, like a 5K or 10K. We’re also always having push-up contests at home — my sons are always trying to beat Mom. (sometimes I let them.)
What is your go-to, on-the-run, be-done-anywhere workout?
TRX! I’m known as the kettlebell queen, but I can take my TRX anywhere and hook it up anywhere! Body weight workouts are also a go-to — you can do push-ups, squats, burpees, crunches, jumping jacks, and the like anywhere.
Lori Lever, Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo
How do you stay motivated during the holidays?
I schedule workouts with friends. Accountability is crucial when temptations are high during the holiday season. I also drink lots of water and fill up on healthier food options before going to parties. Staying hydrated and having a plan are essential tips to stay fit over the holidays.
What is your holiday sweet substitution?
My favorite holiday sweet substitution is a mint chocolate Power Crunch bar or Quest bar. With less than 5g of sugar, it gives my brain the satisfaction of something sweet and fills me up with the fat and protein I need. If I just want a real treat, I’ll have a dark chocolate peanut butter cup or a square of dark chocolate. Freshly ground nut butters are a great option, too.
What are some fun healthy activities the whole family can take part in?
I love getting outdoors with friends and family for group walks or hikes. The holidays are the best time because everyone can enjoy all the holiday lights and decorations while they walk. If you are indoors, I love Dance Dance Revolution. I always work up a sweat from that family dance party! If you aren’t sweating for this game, you don’t want to win bad enough!
Ryan Allen, ClubSport Pleasanton
What is your holiday sweet substitution?
Roasted sweet potatoes!
What are some fun healthy activities the whole family can take part in?
A bike ride around town to check out all of the cool Christmas decorations is a great physical activity for the family.
What holiday song makes you break a sweat?
“Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano — it’s a classic.
Nancy Couper, ClubSport Pleasanton
How do you stay motivated during the holidays?
I schedule more workouts with friends and family. Not only does it hold me accountable, but it also helps me switch up my weekly routine.
What is your holiday sweet substitution?
I love dark chocolate and peanut butter anything! To satisfy this sweet and salty temptress, I make bite-size protein power balls of chocolate protein powder, unsalted almond butter, raw and organic honey, and unsalted sunflower seeds. They are portable and pack a flavorful punch (with just a hint of sweetness).
What are some fun healthy activities the whole family can take part in?
Get out and explore the great outdoors! Go for a family bike ride or stroll along the Iron Horse Trail accessible from ClubSport. Turn it into a scavenger hunt along the way. Go to a local high school’s track and challenge each other in track and field events like the 100M, 200M, or 400M sprint or the 4x100M relay. Go play at a playground together! Find your inner ninja and crawl, climb, and slide to get fit while having fun. Check-in with your local community to see if there are any active charitable activities going on that the family can do together.
Dan Benton, ClubSport San Jose
How do you stay motivated during the holidays?
We love hiking in the mountains during the cold months. Getting outside in nature is one of my favorite tips to stay fit over the holidays.
What is your go-to, on-the-run, be-done-anywhere workout?
Five rounds: 20 jumping lunges, 20 push-ups, 20 burpees, 90-second rest. Go for a two-mile run after your fifth round and you’re set within 30 minutes!
What holiday song makes you break a sweat?
“Jingle Bell Rock” for sure!
By following these expert tips to stay fit over the holidays, you can enjoy the season while maintaining your health and fitness goals. Whether it’s fitting in quick workouts, making healthier food choices, or staying active with family, a little planning and dedication can help you stay on track.
