By: Nick Niedzwiecki
The holiday season is often filled with joy, family gatherings, and plenty of delicious food. But it’s also a time when many people let their fitness routines slide. Between the parties, travel, and tempting holiday treats, staying active can feel like an uphill battle. However, maintaining your fitness during this busy time of year is not only possible but essential for your overall well-being.
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as CrossFit, can help you manage stress, maintain energy levels, and counterbalance the extra calories from holiday indulgences. CrossFit’s functional fitness approach—which combines strength, endurance, and flexibility—makes it a perfect choice for staying active during the holidays, no matter your fitness level.
Why Stay Active Over the Holidays?
1. Boost Your Mood and Energy: The holidays can be stressful, but exercise releases endorphins that naturally elevate your mood. Staying active can help you feel more energized and less sluggish, even after big holiday meals.
2. Maintain Your Routine: Consistency is key to long-term fitness success. Taking a break from your workout routine during the holidays can make it harder to get back on track in the new year. Even short workouts can help you maintain momentum.
3. Support Healthy Habits: Staying active helps balance the extra calories from festive foods and reduces the likelihood of weight gain. Plus, keeping your fitness routine intact can inspire healthier choices throughout the season.
4. Enjoy Guilt-Free Indulgence: Let’s be honest, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed! By staying active, you can indulge in your favorite treats without feeling like you’ve derailed your fitness goals.
CrossFit and Holiday Fitness
One of the great things about CrossFit is its scalability. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, CrossFit workouts can be adapted to meet your needs. And you don’t need access to a gym to stay active. Many CrossFit workouts can be done at home with little to no equipment, making them perfect for the hectic holiday season.
A Beginner-Friendly Bodyweight CrossFit Workout
This quick and effective workout can be done anywhere, whether you’re at home, visiting family, or traveling. It’s designed for beginners but can be scaled up for more experienced athletes by increasing the intensity or reps.
Warm-Up (5 minutes):
● 30 seconds each of:
○ High knees
○ Jumping jacks
○ Air squats
○ Arm circles
Workout (10-15 minutes): Complete as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) in 10-15 minutes of:
● 10 air squats
● 10 push-ups (modify to knee push-ups if needed)
● 15 sit-ups (or crunches)
● 15 seconds of a plank hold
Cool-Down (5 minutes):
● Stretch your hamstrings, quads, and shoulders.
● Perform deep breathing exercises to relax your body and mind.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the goal during the holidays isn’t necessarily to make huge fitness gains but to maintain your routine and stay consistent. Even a short workout like the one above can make a big difference in how you feel and help you start the new year on the right foot.
So this holiday season, don’t let your fitness take a backseat. Use CrossFit to stay active, healthy, and energized—and enjoy every moment of the festivities!
By: Nick Niedzwiecki – Owner, CrossFit Athens
December 20, 2024
