Embrace the Festive Fitness: Creative ways to stay active during the Holiday Season!

Throughout the festive season, many find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of holiday parties, delicious feasts, and cozy moments by the fireplace. While these joyful traditions are a highlight of the season, they often come hand-in-hand with indulgent treats and sedentary activities. However, maintaining an active lifestyle during the holidays is not only possible but can add an extra layer of enjoyment to the festivities!

We have come up with a few holiday-themed activities to keep you moving throughout the festive season!

Winter Wonderland Walks

Embrace the beauty of the season by organising winter walks in your local park or open space. Bundle up in warm layers and take in the crisp air and holiday decorations! Make it a social event by inviting friends and family to join, turning a simple walk into a festive gathering. You can find your local park/open space here.

Active Advent Calendar

Active Advent is a winter-themed activity programme as part of Inspire. It aims to provide a fun and engaging experience for children who may not enjoy traditional school sports.

It includes a resource with twenty-four baubles on a tree, which children can colour in each time they achieve thirty minutes of activity. The goal is to reach the star at the top of the tree by completing all the baubles by 25th December. Additionally, schools can participate in the County-wide School Games Summer Festival by completing the School IMPACT report for Active Advent. Find out more here.

Alternatively, why not create your own? Create an advent calendar with a fitness twist! Instead of opening doors to chocolates or treats, design a calendar that reveals daily workout challenges. These can include quick bodyweight exercises, yoga poses, or short cardio routines. It's a fun way to stay active while counting down the days to the main event!

Volunteer for Active Causes

Combine the spirit of giving with physical activity by volunteering for charitable organisations during the holidays. Many organisations host festive runs or walks to raise funds for various causes. Volunteering at these events is a great way to support a good cause and move with a sense of purpose.

Attend a Festive Fun Run

Staying on the topic of fun runs, why not participant in one of the many fun runs taking place throughout Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland! Here are a few to choose from:

Mental Elf Fun Run 2023 - Leicester - More information.
Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk - Ashby de la Zouch - More information.
Hinckley BID & HBBS'c Annual Festive Family Fun Run - Hinckley - More information.
Loughborough Santa Fun Run - Loughborough - More information.
Rotary Melton Santa Fun Run - Melton Mowbray - More information.
Freddie's Festive Fun Run - Burbage - More information.

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.

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!

Attend a local Christmas fair!

Take a stroll and get involved in a local CHristmas fair! Here are a few to choose from:

Leicester Guildhall - Christmas Craft Fair - Leicester - More information.
Festive Feast and Crafts Market - Hinckley - More information.
Ashby Christmas Market Fair - Ashby de la Zouch - More information.
AMBITION Christmas Fair - Whetstone - More information.
Clarendon Park Christmas Fair - Leicester - More information.

This festive season, don't let the merriment hinder your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating these creative ideas into your holiday plans will not only keep you physically active but also create lasting memories of a season filled with joy, laughter, and wellness.