Kickstart your New Year’s Resolutions Now!
The holidays are here! A season of warmth, joy, and togetherness. But why wait until January 1st to set new goals? With a little planning, you can turn this festive time into a springboard for a healthier, more vibrant year ahead. Starting your resolutions early eases holiday stress and gives you a head start on making lasting changes.
Just this last week we were in Hawaii, and our friend decided to get back to the gym and improve his fitness. A 3-day/week program was written for him by my husband (with a little help from me) and hopefully, this will kick start his 2025 and new habits.
One of the best gifts you can give yourself this season is a commitment to your health and wellness. We want to hold that slippery slope of fitness degradation to a slow slide.
Whether you’re an exercise newbie or a seasoned pro, here are some practical tips to help you stay active and energized while enjoying the holiday season!
Reflect and Dream Big
The holidays often find us reflecting on the past. Think back to the beginning of 2024—what moments made you happiest, besides finally being able to purchase toilet paper without stress? What challenges helped you grow? Question – Do you have a goal that excites you as you look ahead? If not reflection may be a good thing to do. If you do the same old, you will be the same old.
If fitness is on your mind, this is the time to set realistic and enjoyable goals. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try yoga, start walking regularly, or regain strength and flexibility. Use the holidays to identify activities that bring you joy while supporting your health.
Sneak Exercise into Festivities
Busy holiday schedules can make it tough to fit in structured workouts, but staying active doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. Look for fun, festive ways to move more:
- Family walks: Take a brisk stroll to admire holiday lights or walk off that delicious dinner.
- Dancing: Whether it’s at a holiday party or in your living room, dancing is a fantastic way to get your heart pumping. Kick up that holiday music, it only happens once a year. Burl Ives and a “Holly Jolly Christmas” can be your brain worm this month. Quick Fact: Did you know he had a musical career that spanned 6 decades? Not bad, eh?
- Active traditions: Turn holiday activities into fitness opportunities—volunteer to set up decorations, carry gifts, or organize a family game of tag or charades. Just don’t knock over the tree, please.
These simple, joyful movements not only keep you active but also create meaningful memories.
Start with Small, Consistent Steps
OK, seriously. You don’t need to overhaul your routine all at once—small, steady changes lead to big results over time. Bob, I’m talking to you!
Remember the tortoise and hare, who won the race? Below are a few tips to get started today:
- 5-minute movement breaks: Set a timer to stretch, do light yoga, or take a short walk every hour.
- Try seated exercises: If you have limited mobility, seated strength and flexibility exercises can be a great way to stay active.
- Build strength with bodyweight exercises: Simple moves like squats, wall push-ups, and gentle lunges can help improve balance, strength, and coordination.
The key is consistency and to not overdo it. If you go in blazing hot, you exit your plan faster than a Formula 1 race car. Even a few minutes a day adds up over time and builds the momentum you need to carry these habits into the new year. Go easy, go smart.
Turn Holiday Errands into Exercise
Why not make everyday tasks part of your fitness routine?
- Shopping workouts: Walk laps around the mall or take the stairs instead of the escalator.
- Housework fitness: Cleaning, decorating, and cooking all involve movement—make it fun by adding some music or challenging yourself to move faster.
- Carrying gifts: Turn gift-wrapping into a strength session by carrying items one at a time.
These small adjustments can help you burn extra calories and keep your body moving without carving out extra time in your schedule.
Take Advantage of Winter Activities
If you live in a cooler climate, embrace the season! Winter sports like ice skating, sledding, or even a snowy nature walk are excellent ways to stay active while enjoying the outdoors. If you want to see some great winter workouts, follow @ grandma_move on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/grandma_moves/Instagram.
For warmer climates, try a brisk morning hike or explore local parks. I got some great daily walks when I was in Maui last week. Logged over 14,000 steps!! Woot!
Being outside not only helps you stay fit but also boosts your mood and gives you a dose of fresh air. Just remember to dress appropriately and stay hydrated!
Stretch and Stay Flexible
With the colder weather and long periods of sitting during holiday meals or travel, it’s important to keep your body limber. Dedicate a few minutes each day to stretching, focusing on:
- Hamstrings and calves (great after walking)
- Shoulders and neck (relieves tension from wrapping gifts or looking down at devices)
- Back and hips (to counteract sitting)
Gentle stretching can help prevent stiffness and improve your range of motion, making other activities more enjoyable.
Keep it Social
Exercise, or let’s call it movement, is more fun with friends! Invite a friend or loved one to join you for a walk, attend a local fitness class, or participate in a holiday-themed fun run or charity walk. You can always attend my classes for free this month. If you are interested, go to my Classes Page and press the sign-up button, and enter HOLIDAY to join for free for the remainder of the year. Yes, you heard me – FREE.
Socializing while moving keeps you motivated and accountable. Plus, it’s a great way to bond while prioritizing your health.
Reward Yourself Along the Way
Celebrating your progress, no matter how small, is essential. Did you take a walk every day this week? Treat yourself to a relaxing bath or a new book. Managed to stick to your goal of moving for 20 minutes daily? Reward yourself with something that brings joy, like watching your favorite holiday movie.
By recognizing your efforts, you’ll stay motivated and feel good about the changes you’re making.
In Conclusion: Celebrate Your Journey
This holiday season, don’t just focus on celebration—focus on transformation. By starting your New Year’s resolutions early, you’re giving yourself the gift of health, joy, and self-care.
So grab a cup of tea, write down your goals, and make a plan to move more, laugh more, and live more. The little steps you take today will lead to big changes tomorrow. Here’s to a season of progress, positivity, and new beginnings.
Your turn! What’s one small exercise goal you can start this holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments or with friends and loved ones—it might inspire them to join you on your journey!
