The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the temptation to indulge in festive treats and cozy up indoors. However, staying active during December is not only beneficial for your physical health but also a great way to combat the holiday stress and boost your mood. In the spirit of the season, come with us as we embark on the 12 Days of Fitness – a workout plan designed to keep you moving and motivated throughout December. Remember, as you embark on this festive fitness journey, to listen to your body and modify the exercises as needed.
Day 1: Jingle Bell Jog
Start the month with a brisk outdoor jog. Embrace the crisp December air and let the jingle of bells inspire your pace. Whether you prefer running in a winter wonderland or jogging around your neighborhood, this cardio session will kickstart your fitness journey.
Day 2: Ornament Obliques
Engage your core with a festive twist. Sit on the floor, balancing on your sit bones, and lift your legs off the ground. Hold a holiday ornament or small gift in your hands, and twist your torso from side to side, touching the ornament to the ground. This exercise targets your obliques and adds a touch of holiday flair to your routine.
Day 3: Stocking Stuffer Squats
Get your legs working with stocking stuffer squats. Fill a festive stocking with a few small items, tie it securely, and hold it in front of you. Perform squats, keeping your back straight and chest lifted. The added weight from the stocking will challenge your leg muscles and add a playful element to your workout.
Day 4: Mistletoe Meditation
Take a break from the hustle and bustle with a mistletoe meditation. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Imagine the stress melting away with each exhale. Take this time to rejuvenate your mind and body, promoting overall well-being during the busy holiday season.
Day 5: Sleigh Ride Sprints
Turn your cardio up a notch with sleigh ride sprints. Head to a local track or open space and sprint for 30 seconds, followed by a 30-second rest. Repeat this interval training for a total of 15 minutes. The short bursts of intense effort mimic the speed of a sleigh ride, providing a fun and effective workout.
Day 6: Caroling Cardio
Combine the joy of singing with a cardio workout. Choose your favorite holiday tunes and go for a brisk walk or jog while singing along. The rhythm of the music will keep you motivated, and you’ll hardly notice the effort as you enjoy the festive melodies.
Day 7: Gift Wrap Yoga
Unwind with gift wrap yoga. Lay out a yoga mat and use a large gift wrap roll as your prop. Incorporate it into your stretches, twists, and poses. This gentle practice helps improve flexibility and relaxation, providing a perfect balance to the more intense workouts earlier in the week.
Day 8: Snowflake Strength
Channel the strength and symmetry of snowflakes with a full-body strength workout. Perform exercises like push-ups, lunges, and planks to target multiple muscle groups. Imagine yourself becoming as strong and unique as each snowflake in the winter sky.
Day 9: Winter Wonderland Walk
Take a leisurely walk in a nearby winter wonderland. Whether it’s a snowy park or a frost-covered trail, immerse yourself in the beauty of the season. Walking is a low-impact exercise that allows you to appreciate nature while keeping your body active.
Day 10: Sugar Plum Skip
Bring out your inner child with a sugar plum skip. Skip in place, lifting your knees towards your chest and swinging your arms. This playful exercise elevates your heart rate while adding a touch of nostalgia to your workout routine.
Day 11: Gingerbread Glutes
Target your glutes with gingerbread glutes. Perform a series of glute bridges, leg lifts, and squats to sculpt and strengthen your lower body. Visualize yourself shaping up just in time for the festive celebrations.
Day 12: NYE Countdown Challenge
Wrap up “The 12 Days of Fitness” with a New Year’s countdown challenge. Start with 12 jumping jacks, then 11 burpees, 10 mountain climbers, and so on, until you reach 1. This high-intensity, full-body workout will leave you feeling accomplished and ready to take on the new year with renewed energy.
Looking for some ideas on how to be a bit more mindful around the holidays when it comes food? Here are some tips and tricks on how to avoid overindulging.
Hayleigh Butcher is a Content Writer & Brand Strategist for Blender Networks. When she’s not managing blogs for FitMinutes, The-E-Tailer, Cartageous, InStyleRooms, NurturedPaws & Shoelistic, she’s finding a new trail to hike with her dog, Gemma or finding the best new spot in her hometown of Bedford, Nova Scotia for an iced coffee!
