Christmas is Coming! Are You Still Exercising?

Let’s be honest—December is a lot. Between shopping, parties, travel, baking, kids’ events, and end-of-year deadlines, workouts are usually the first thing to slide.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need perfect routines or hour-long workouts to stay consistent. You just need a plan that works with the season, not against it.

Here are 5 realistic tips to help you keep moving all the way to Christmas.

1. Lower the Bar (Consistency Beats Perfection)

If you’re waiting for the “perfect” week to work out in December… it’s probably not coming.

Instead of aiming for 45–60 minute sessions, aim for:

• 10–20 minutes

• 2–4 workouts per week

• Something that feels doable, not overwhelming

Short, consistent workouts keep your momentum going—and that matters far more than intensity this time of year.

2. Schedule Your Workouts Like Appointments

December fills up fast. If your workouts aren’t scheduled, they’ll get bumped.

At the start of each week:

• Pick your workout days

• Put them in your calendar

• Treat them like non-negotiable meetings

Even better? Choose the least busy time of day—often first thing in the morning—so life doesn’t get in the way later.

3. Focus on Strength (Not Burning Calories)

This isn’t the season to “work off” holiday treats—and honestly, that mindset rarely leads to consistency.

Instead, shift your focus to:

• Building strength

• Maintaining muscle

• Feeling energized and capable

Strength training supports metabolism, posture, bone health, and confidence—and you’ll feel stronger heading into the new year instead of starting from scratch.

4. Have a Backup Plan (Because Life Happens)

Missed your planned workout? That doesn’t mean the day is a write-off.

Have a Plan B, like:

• A 10-minute bodyweight circuit

• A quick dumbbell workout at home

• A brisk walk between errands

Something is always better than nothing—and those “small” workouts add up more than you think.

5. Remember Why You’re Moving in the First Place

Exercise in December isn’t about discipline or punishment. It’s about:

• Stress relief during a hectic season

• Better sleep

• More energy for the people you care about

• Feeling good in your body

When you connect your workouts to how you want to feel, it becomes easier to show up—even when motivation is low.

Final Thought

You don’t need to pause your fitness journey until January. Staying consistent through December—even at a lighter level—puts you miles ahead when the new year rolls around.

Keep it simple. Keep it realistic. Keep moving.Your future self will thank you.