The holidays are magical—snowfall, hot cocoa, and cozy evenings by the fire. But they also come with a few challenges, like slippery walkways, chilly weather, and tight schedules. Staying active doesn’t have to mean braving the cold or trekking through the snow. You can sneak in steps and burn extra calories right at home! Whether you’re cleaning, decorating, or cooking, here are 20 festive and practical ways to stay active while warming up by the fire and enjoying the holiday cheer. I’ve even added the an calorie burn for each activity—because fitness should feel fun, especially during the holidays!
1. Deck the Halls… Actively
Add some extra movement while putting up or taking down decorations. Carry ornaments, strings of lights, or garlands around and do a few side lunges or knee lifts in between.
Calories burned: ~150-200 per hour
2. Walk the Gift Trail
When wrapping gifts, move around the room—grab tape, scissors, bows, and tags, walking back and forth rather than staying in one spot. Memory lapses have their own perks, too!
Calories burned: ~100-120 per hour
3. March While Baking Cookies
As you wait for your cookies to bake, keep your legs moving by marching in place. The time goes faster, and your body stays active. Double the duty by lifting your knees nice and high!
Calories burned: ~150 per hour
4. Practise Tree Pose While Doing Dishes
Strengthen your legs and improve balance with Tree Pose (alternating sides) while doing dishes or preparing meals.
Calories burned: ~120–130 per hour
5. Step Up for the Holidays
Use a step or low stool to practice stepping up and down. Pretend you’re walking up a snowy hill to deliver gifts—slowly and steadily, burn calories with each step. Walking upstairs, visualize clearing big snow drifts by getting your knees up high!
Calories burned: ~180-220 per hour
6. Sweep Up The Holiday Tinsel, Crumbs, Wrapping Paper (etcetera!)
There are few better ways to burn calories and be productive as effectively as washing, mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming floors. After holiday meals, turn cleaning into a fitness session by adding extra movement with arm extensions or calf raises.
Calories burned: ~170-200 per hour
7. Warm Up by the Fireplace
Use the cold evening as motivation to keep your body warm by marching in place for 5-10 minutes by the fireplace. Turn on your favourite holiday song and deck the halls, hang mistletoe, or ring Rudolph for marching motivation.
Calories burned: ~100 per 10 minutes
8. Add Steps While Decorating
Instead of gathering all your decorations in one trip, spread them out across the room, taking one ornament or item at a time as you move to each corner.
Calories burned: ~120 per hour
9. Pace During Holiday Calls
Chatting with family or friends? Use that time to pace around your home. Every step counts!
Calories burned: ~170-180 per hour
10. Step It Up During TV Time
Instead of sitting still during your favorite holiday movie, add a few stretches or stand for some toe taps every time the commercial break hits.
Calories burned: ~100-120 per 15-minute session
11. Dance Like Santa’s Watching
Crank up the holiday tunes and dance to your heart’s content. Whether it’s a simple sway or full-on dance party, you’re burning calories while having fun.
Calories burned: ~210-250 per hour
13. Use Stairs Instead of Elevators
If you live in an apartment with stairs, take advantage of them! Even when you've got nowhere to go, walk up and down a flight of stair for a quick cardio boost that mimics stomping through a snowy outdoor pathway.
Calories burned: ~300 per hour
14. Be a Holiday Helper
Offer to help your family with tasks like setting the table or moving bags of groceries around. If Aunt Betsie needs a drink, be the first to offer her water. If Leo and Raffi have made a mess, voluntarily tidy things up. Even small tasks give you more opportunities to stay on your feet.
Calories burned: ~100-150 per hour
15. Tidy Up the North Pole
Take time during the holidays to organize your space— while keeping your body moving. Put things away at a slow but steady pace, and sneak in some squats or stretching while you’re doing it.
Calories burned: ~100-120 per hour
16. Pause Under the Mistletoe
Practice your balance by doing 10 toe raises or knee lifts every time you pass under mistletoe. Give yourself a hug and stretch out tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
Calories burned: ~80-100 per 10 minutes
17. Stretch by the Window
Look out the window at the holiday lights and soft-falling snow, and incorporate simple stretches—reach up to the sky and lean to the side; or practice gentle lunges, heel raises, or side-steps—all while enjoying the view.
Calories burned: ~100 per 15 minutes
Make Your Season Bright—and Active!
The holidays are a wonderful time to give, share, and enjoy the company of others. Why not give your body the gift of movement as well? By incorporating even small bits of activity into your daily routine, you’ll burn more calories, improve circulation, and stay strong—without leaving the comfy cozy of home. Try one (or more) of these creative activities today and make the most of your holidays. Every movement counts toward building a healthier, stronger you!
Which activity will you try next?
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