The holiday season has a way of filling up your calendar before you even realize what's happening. Between work deadlines, shopping, family commitments, school events, travel, and everything else that comes with this time of year, your normal workout routine can quickly become harder to maintain.
And sometimes it's not even the schedule getting in the way. You might catch a cold, feel run down, or simply need a little more recovery time than usual.
When life gets busy, it's easy to fall into an all or nothing mindset. If you can't fit in your usual 45 minute workout, you skip it altogether. If you miss a few days because you're sick, you start feeling like you've lost your momentum.
But here's the thing: your workouts don't have to look the same every week to be consistent.
Sometimes that means shortening your workout. Sometimes it means finding a different way to move. And sometimes it means taking a few days off and letting your body recover.
Let's look at how to make those adjustments without feeling like you're falling behind.
Your Workouts Don't Have to Be All or Nothing
Let's say your normal routine includes four workouts a week, and most of them take around 45 minutes. But this week, you have holiday shopping, a work event, and a family gathering taking up your usual workout time.
Instead of skipping every workout because you can't fit in the full 45 minutes, what could you do with 15 or 20 minutes?
You could:
- Choose three or four exercises and complete a couple of rounds instead of doing your usual full body workout.
- Do a quick workout at home instead of spending time driving to the gym.
- Take a brisk walk during your lunch break instead of trying to squeeze in your scheduled cardio session.
- Break up your movement throughout the day with a few 5 minute activity breaks.
These shorter sessions might not look like your normal workouts, but they still give you an opportunity to move your body and maintain a routine during a busy week.
The goal isn't to squeeze in the longest or hardest workout possible. It's to find something that works with the time and energy you have available.
Need a Little Workout Inspiration?
If you're having trouble figuring out what a shorter workout could look like, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. I've shared several workouts on the blog that are designed to make movement a little easier when time, space, or equipment are limited.
- Short on time? Try my 10 minute travel workout you can do almost anywhere.
- Want to add a little creativity to your workout? Grab a couple of paper plates and try this bodyweight workout.
- Working with limited space? This full body workout that only requires the space of a yoga mat is another great option.
I also have a TON more workouts on my Instagram and Pinterest pages.
Sometimes having a few go to workouts ready makes it much easier to follow through when your schedule gets hectic.
Sometimes the Best Workout Is No Workout at All
Now let's talk about something else that can throw a wrench into your routine this time of year: getting sick.
Between travel, holiday gatherings, and all the extra time spent around other people, it's not unusual to catch a seasonal bug. And when that happens, you need to give yourself permission to rest.
Being consistent doesn't mean pushing through everything. Sometimes the healthiest choice is to take a break and let your body recover.
Missing a few workouts because you're sick isn't going to undo months of progress. You don't need to make up those missed sessions, double up your workouts the following week, or jump right back into your usual intensity as soon as you feel a little better.
If you're dealing with a fever, significant fatigue, body aches, or chest symptoms, skip exercise and prioritize recovery. Once you're feeling better, ease back into your routine rather than trying to pick up exactly where you left off.
Remember, rest is part of taking care of your body, too.
Look for Opportunities to Move Outside Your Workouts
Another way to stay active during a busy season is to stop thinking about movement as something that only happens during a scheduled workout.
There are plenty of opportunities to add a little more activity to your day without carving out another block of time on your calendar.
For example:
- Park a little farther away when you're out shopping.
- Take a short walk after dinner or while waiting for an appointment.
- Put on some music and move around while cooking or cleaning.
- Take the stairs when it makes sense.
- Get outside for a quick walk during a break instead of scrolling on your phone.
And while this is more of a time commitment, I also love suggesting a walk and coffee with a friend as a holiday get together vs going out to dinner or drinks. Anytime I’ve suggested this, my friends have loved the idea!
Give Yourself Permission to Adjust
One of the biggest mistakes people make during the holidays is assuming that consistency means following the exact same routine every single week.
It doesn't.
Some weeks you'll get all your workouts in. Other weeks you might manage two shorter sessions and a few walks. And there may be weeks when illness, travel, or family commitments mean taking more time away from your regular routine.
That doesn't mean you've failed or lost your progress.
The key is learning how to adjust without giving up entirely. Don't let one missed workout turn into a reason to stop moving for the rest of the month. But don't feel like you have to push through when your body needs rest, either.
Consistency isn't about never missing a workout. It's about knowing how to adjust without giving up.
Let's Make This Holiday Season a Little Easier
As we move through the holiday season, remember that your workouts don't have to be perfect to be worthwhile. Shorten them when your schedule gets busy, find other opportunities to move, and take a break when you need one.
You can enjoy everything this season has to offer while still making time for your health. It just might look a little different from your usual routine.
And if you'd like a little extra support throughout December, sign up for my FREE Healthy Hacks for the Holidays daily email series. From December 1 through 31, I'll be sharing short, practical tips for food, workouts, and overall wellness to help you feel good during this busy time of year.
Sign up for Healthy Hacks for the Holidays here!
