How to stay active throughout the Festive Season!

Motivation to exercise can be hard to keep over Christmas, but we have come up with a few holiday-themed activities to keep you moving throughout the festive season!

Play the postman

If you write Christmas cards for nearby friends and relatives, why not deliver them by hand this year instead of popping them in the post? It's also a great way to save on stamps!

Park further away

Whether you're heading to work or going shopping, park further away than you normally would and boost your step count.

Go Christmas shopping in person

Try to avoid getting your shopping delivered to your door, and instead go shopping yourself. That way, you can carry the presents back to your car after a successful shopping session.

Try some festive exercises

Come up with a few interesting activities yourself, or try the ones below:

1. Sleigh-bell swings: Place a kettlebell on the floor between your feet, squat down and lift back up, then use your hips to safely swing the weight upwards to around chest height.

2. Overhead press-ents: Hold a pair of dumbells at shoulder level with your arms bent and palms facing each other. Then, press the weights above your head until your arms are almost straight, then return the dumbells to your shoulders.

3. Reindeer kicks: Get down on your hands and knees. Keeping your core tight, back straight and face down, kick back with one leg, squeezing the glutes. Bend the knee and lower the leg to return to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite leg for one rep.

Get ad break active

Enjoy guilt-free Christmas TV marathons by using the advert breaks to be active. From things such as star jumps to marchning on the spot, try anything that'll get you moving!

Have a boogie when wrapping

Turn a chore into a fun workout by blasting your favourite songs and having a little dance whilst you wrap!

Try a Santa Fun Run!

Dress up as Santa, enter yourself into a fun run, and walk or run to raise money for charity! You can find your local Santa fun run here.

Winter Holiday Clubs

Children and young people in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland who receive benefit related free school meals will be able to access free activities and food provision over the winter holidays.

Leicestershire, Leicester City & Rutland all offer programmes and these can be viewed via these links:

- Leicestershire's 'Holidays Together'
- Leicester City's 'Holiday Activities & Food Programme'
- Rutland's 'Holiday Activity & Food Programme'

The sessions will offer a variety of fun activities, including sports, music, arts, and other opportunities to learn and develop new skills, alongside a nutritious meal each day.

These are just a few ways to stay active throughout the holidays. Be sure to enjoy the festive season in a way that suits you best!