It’s not just the tree that could with some trimming this holiday. All the treats and late night leftovers will start to show come January. So why not keep the whole family fit with creative, fun exercises while creating new memories and traditions.
Gifts Relay Race
Divide into teams and race to deliver “gifts” (use wrapped empty boxes or soft items) from one side of the room, house or yard, to the other.
Mix in a few challenges like balancing the presents on your head or using only one hand to carry a stack of them.
Keep it lighthearted and celebrate teamwork with small prizes or holiday treats.
Reindeer Tag
A seasonal variation of classic tag where those of you who start out as “reindeer” wear antlers (use costume headbands or paper cut-outs) and try to avoid being caught by “Santa.”
Keep the game energetic but ensure everyone stays safe while having fun by setting clear rules and boundaries.
Holiday Obstacle Course
Transform your living room or backyard into a holiday-themed obstacle course that will have the whole family working up a sweat with smiles on their faces.
Use household items or holiday decorations to create the course. For example:
Hurdle over wrapping paper rolls laid out on the floor in intervals.
Crawl under, around or even over empty, wrapped gift boxes that you arrange in a row.
Decorate the course with string lights and holiday garlands to make it extra special.
Make sure there’s a small prize for everyone, like hot cocoa, to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Holiday Workout Countdown
Make a “12 Days of Fitness” challenge with a new exercise added each day, like a holiday-themed advent calendar for workouts.
For example:
Day 1 – one-minute plank
Day 2 – two push-ups
Day 3 – three jumping jacks
and so on.
Celebrate everyone’s efforts and recognize their participation with fun awards like “Best Cheerleader” or “Family MVP.”
Snowy Fun
If you’re lucky enough to have a winter wonderland, take full advantage of it:
Snowball Fights: Get stuck into a friendly battle that will have everyone dodging, laughing and running for cover.
Sledding: Pull the sled uphill for a great cardio workout and then enjoy the thrilling ride back down.
Build a Snowman or Snow Fort: Get creative and work together to shape snow into something extraordinary. The lifting, packing, and rolling offer a full-body workout.
