Stay Merry & Fit: 5 Holiday Workouts That Take Less Time Than Wrapping Presents

The holidays are filled with joy, celebrations, and, let’s face it, a lot of busyness! With parties to attend, meals to prep, and travel plans to juggle, it can be challenging to find time for your regular workout routine. But staying active doesn’t have to take hours. Here are five quick, efficient workouts to keep you moving and energized, no matter where the holidays take you.

1. The 12-Minute HIIT Circuit

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is perfect for packing a powerful workout into a short amount of time. Try this 12-minute routine:

• 30 seconds: Jump squats
• 30 seconds: Push-ups
• 30 seconds: Mountain climbers
• 30 seconds: Rest
  Repeat 4 times.

Why it works: This workout gets your heart pumping and engages multiple muscle groups for a full-body burn in a short session.

2. Bodyweight Blast

No equipment? No problem. This bodyweight workout is perfect for your living room or hotel room:

• 20 air squats
• 15 tricep dips (use a sturdy chair or couch edge)
• 10 burpees
• 1-minute plank
  Complete 3 rounds.

Why it works: You’ll strengthen your core, arms, and legs while keeping things simple and accessible.

3. Holiday Hustle Ladder

This progressive workout adds a new exercise each round. Here’s how it works:

• Round 1: 10 push-ups
• Round 2: 10 push-ups + 15 jumping jacks
• Round 3: 10 push-ups + 15 jumping jacks + 20 lunges (10 each leg)
• Round 4: 10 push-ups + 15 jumping jacks + 20 lunges + 25 mountain climbers
  Rest as needed between rounds.

Why it works: The ladder format keeps things fresh and fun while challenging your endurance.

4. Core Countdown

Give your core some holiday love with this quick ab workout:

• 30 seconds: Bicycle crunches
• 30 seconds: Leg raises
• 30 seconds: Russian twists (no weight or with a small object)
• 30 seconds: Rest
  Repeat 3 times.

Why it works: Strengthening your core improves posture and stability, making this an effective and time-efficient routine.

5. Festive Fitness Walk/Run Intervals

If you’re outside enjoying winter weather, try this interval workout:

• Walk briskly for 2 minutes.
• Jog or run for 1 minute.
  Repeat for 20 minutes.

Why it works: Alternating between walking and running keeps your heart rate up while offering bursts of cardio without the need for a treadmill or gym.

Bonus Tip: Stay Active in Small Ways

Even if you can’t fit in a full workout, remember that movement matters. Take a walk after meals, play an active game with family, or dance to your favorite holiday tunes.

Keep Moving, Stay Strong

The holidays are about balance—enjoying the season while staying committed to your health. These quick workouts are designed to fit into even the busiest schedule, keeping you on track and energized.

Ready for more support in your fitness journey? Explore our classes and services here, and let Studio Strong help you stay strong this holiday season and beyond.