5 Simple & strategic ways to stay fit during the holidays (no gym required)

Published on 25th November, 2025 at 01:55 pm

Over the New Year period, sticking to a balanced diet and working out can fall by the wayside. Here’s how to stay on track for a healthy festive season.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Many people struggle to maintain a healthy routine over the festive season, with some even putting on weight.
• There are some easy ways to incorporate more movement into your life, even while on holiday.
• Movement can be social and practical – all it takes is seizing every opportunity to be active.

The New Year period can ruin all your best intentions when it comes to healthy eating and regular workouts. Travel, a disrupted schedule and an abundance of food can all present a real challenge. One study found that participants gained an average of 0.78 kg during this time.

If you want to start the New Year as the best version of yourself, here are tips to help you maintain an active routine, regardless of where you are. All you need to do is get creative and seize every opportunity to be active. Because movement can be both social and practical!

Tip #1: Keep your sessions short

You don’t need to spend hours working out to stay on top of your fitness routine over the holidays. Short, high-intensity bodyweight workouts that take just 10 to 15 minutes can be just as beneficial, and you don’t even need to go to a gym.

Exercises such as squats, lunges, planks, burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers and push-ups require no equipment and can be done in small spaces. Get them over with first thing in the morning so you can spend the rest of your day in vacation mode.

TIP #2: Make your movement social

Moving your body doesn’t need to be a solo activity. Make it social by organising family walks or neighbourhood runs with your friends or family. If you are in a scenic location with hiking trails, go for a group hike for the views and the exercise. Even going out for a dance session at a club is a great way to stay active.

Your workouts don’t need to feel like a chore but rather like spending more time with people you care about.

TIP #3: Leverage everyday activities

This time of year can be busy, so utilising everyday activities can help you get enough movement and maintain your level of fitness. Running errands can help you reach your daily step goals.

To include some functional strength training in your schedule, other chores, like carrying luggage or groceries, gardening, pushing a heavy lawnmower or cleaning your car, can all help to make sure that your muscles get a good workout – no routine required!

Tip #4: Be strategic with indulgence

During the holidays, indulgence is the name of the game, both when it comes to food and drink with lots of lazy afternoons. Being strategic about it can keep your body in good condition and ready for the New Year.

Fitness should remain an integral part of your day. If you perform a routine (activate your gym benefit today) or go for a run or walk in the morning, you can spend the rest of your day chilling out. Remember to drink enough water, especially if you are enjoying a lot of festive drinks.

TIP #5: Keep your fitness flexible

If you have a rigid workout routine, it’s going to be much more difficult to maintain when the holiday festivities and chaos commence. By being flexible in how you exercise, you have a better chance of staying active.

You want to make movement part of the celebration so that it’s not a burden. From spending time playing outdoor games in the summer sun to dancing to your favourite festive tunes, you can enter the New Year with excitement rather than with regrets.