HOME WORKOUT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
Creative home workout ideas for the holiday.
Home Workouts Ideas for the Holidays. Fun Ways to Get the Family Moving
The holiday season is a time for family, food, and festivities but it’s also important to stay active ! With busy schedules and cooler weather, finding time for exercise can be tricky, especially when you want to get the whole family involved. Luckily, staying active doesn’t require a trip to the gym. You can enjoy fun, family friendly exercises from the comfort of your home.
As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, I’ve put together some easy and enjoyable home workouts for the entire family. These activities will keep everyone moving, healthy, and energised throughout the holiday season.
Why Family Workouts Matter
Staying active as a family has numerous benefits.
Quality Time. Exercise is a great way to bond and spend time together while working towards shared health goals.
Develop Healthy Habits. Teaching kids the importance of physical activity early in life sets the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.
Stress Reliever. The holiday season can be stressful. Physical activity helps reduce stress and boost mental wellbeing for everyone involved.
Enjoyment. Most importantly, exercising as a family can be fun ! When fitness feels like play, everyone is more likely to stay engaged.
5 Fun Family Workouts to Try This Holiday Season
1. Holiday Circuit Challenge
Turn exercise into a game by creating a holiday themed circuit. Set up different stations around the house or backyard, each with a different exercise. Get the family involved by having everyone take turns coming up with fun holiday names for each move !
Snowball Squats. Squat down as if you're picking up a snowball, then throw it in the air!
Reindeer Run. Jog or run in place, lifting your knees high for 30 seconds.
Santa’s Sack Lifts. Perform a kettlebell or weighted object lift, mimicking Santa lifting his sack of presents.
Candy Cane Twists. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and twist from side to side like you’re hanging candy canes on the tree.
Do each exercise for 30 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, and then move on to the next station. Repeat the circuit 3-5 times.
2. Family Yoga Session
Yoga is a great way to relax, stretch, and improve flexibility. Plus, it’s easy to tailor for all ages. Set up a space in your living room, and follow along with a family-friendly yoga video or simply lead the family through basic poses like:
Tree Pose
Downward Dog
Warrior Pose
Child’s Pose
Glute Bridge
Forward Lunge
Encourage deep breathing and relaxation, perfect for winding down after a day of holiday festivities.
3. Dance Party Workout
Who says exercise has to be serious ? Turn up your favourite holiday tunes and have a family dance party ! Dancing is a fantastic cardiovascular workout that gets everyone moving and laughing. You can also turn it into a game by playing “freeze dance” pause the music at random intervals, and everyone has to freeze in place.
This is a great way to sneak in some cardio while keeping the energy levels high and the mood festive.
4. Family Obstacle Course
Turn your home or backyard into an obstacle course using everyday household items. Get creative with what you have on hand and design a course that challenges different muscle groups and gets everyone moving.
Here’s how to set it up.
Crawl under the table (army crawl)
Jump over pillows (mini hurdles)
Balance on a line of tape and walk heel to toe (tightrope walk)
Run around chairs (weave between them)
Time each family member to see who can complete the course the fastest. It’s an excellent way to mix up the workout routine and engage the whole family in friendly competition.
5. Fitness Scavenger Hunt
Combine a scavenger hunt with fitness tasks for a fun, active adventure around your home or backyard. Create a list of items to find, such as ornaments, toys, or household objects. Each time a family member finds an item, they have to complete a mini workout before moving on to the next clue.
Examples of mini workouts:
10 jumping jacks
5 push-ups
15 seconds of skipping
10 lunges
30 plank
At the end of the hunt, celebrate with a healthy holiday snack and a cool down stretch.
Tips for Successful Family Workouts
Keep It Simple. Family workouts should be fun and accessible to all ages and fitness levels. Choose exercises everyone can participate in.
Set a Routine. Aim for 20-30 minutes of family exercise a few times a week. You can incorporate it into your holiday schedule to make it a tradition.
Make It Fun. The more enjoyable the activity, the more likely everyone will stay engaged. Use games, music, and challenges to keep things lighthearted.
Involve Everyone. Let family members take turns picking the exercises or leading the workout to encourage participation.
Final Thoughts
Staying active as a family during the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. With these fun, family-friendly workouts, you can keep everyone moving, have fun together, and foster healthy habits that last well beyond the holiday season. Whether you’re dancing in the living room or completing a scavenger hunt, remember that the most important thing is enjoying time together while prioritising your health and well-being.
Connect with an Exercise Physiologist
I want families to prioritise physical activity during the holidays, providing creative and engaging ways to work out together at home. If you need help with a tailored exercise plan or injury prevention advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us ! We’re here to support your health and wellness goals year round.
Located in Upper Mount Gravatt and speak with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist now. Our free consultation provides an opportunity to discuss how I can facilitate your needs.
Merry Fitmas and a Happy New Year from JY Exercise Physiology.
Feel free to explore our other blogs to learn more and gain additional insights.
Call +61 421 967 711
