How to Stay Consistent With Your Routine During the Holiday Season

The holidays are a time to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate but they also tend to shake up even the best fitness routines. Between travel, family dinners, office parties, and unpredictable schedules, it’s easy to lose momentum and tell yourself you’ll “get back on track in January.” The truth is, you don’t need to abandon your healthy habits to enjoy the season.

Consistency looks different this time of year, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to train harder or restrict yourself, it’s to find a balance that supports your body, reduces stress, and lets you enjoy the holidays without guilt or burnout. Here’s how to make movement and mindfulness part of the festivities, no matter how busy your calendar looks.

Keep Your Workouts Short and Efficient

One of the BIGGEST mistakes people make during the holidays is thinking that if they can’t commit to a full workout, it’s not worth doing. That is just not true. Short, intentional workouts can be just as effective at maintaining strength, discipline, and energy.

Try “micro workouts” you can do in 10–20 minutes, like:

• 3 rounds of 10 squats, 10 push-ups, 10 lunges per leg, and a 30-second plank

• A 15-minute resistance band circuit for arms and booty

• A quick HIIT session with 30 seconds of work and 15 seconds of rest for five moves

• A brisk walk with friends and/or family

These shorter workouts help keep your metabolism active, improve your mood, and prevent that sluggish holiday feeling. The key is consistency and discipline, not duration.

If you’re looking for home-friendly equipment to help you stay consistent, I keep a curated list of my go-to workout tools, resistance bands, and travel-friendly gear. Everything there is simple, affordable, and perfect for holiday workouts.

Plan Around Your Schedule, Not Against It

The holidays aren’t the time for rigid routines. Instead, build movement into your existing plans. If you know mornings are chaotic with kids or guests, try a lunchtime walk or a quick afternoon stretch.

Think of it like brushing your teeth, it doesn’t take long, but it’s a non-negotiable part of your day. You can even use your calendar to schedule short sessions as “movement appointments.” Seeing them written down helps you stay accountable, even when plans shift. 

Pro tip: color coordinate your calendar, and make the movement/self-care appointments your favorite color!

Make Movement Social

Movement doesn’t have to mean isolating yourself to go to the gym, it can be part of the celebration. Suggest a post-meal walk with your family, dance while cooking or cleaning up, or do a group workout challenge with friends. Most importantly, recruit others and make it enjoyable!

When exercise feels like a connection instead of a chore, you’re more likely to do it. Even playful activities count, sledding, ice skating, hiking, or just chasing kids around outside. These moments keep you active while creating good memories.

Focus on Maintaining Your Routine, Not Perfecting It

The holidays are not the time to push for new records or intense goals. Your body is already managing extra stress from travel, rich foods, and disrupted sleep. Focus on maintaining your strength and energy instead of striving for perfection and setting new personal records.

That might mean doing fewer workouts but keeping them consistent, or choosing lighter weights and more mobility work. Maintenance keeps your routine intact and makes it easier to ramp back up in January without feeling like you’re starting over.

If your regular workouts are an hour, cut them to 45 minutes. If you usually train five days a week, aim for three. A flexible mindset will serve you better than a strict plan that’s impossible to follow.

If you struggle with the all-or-nothing mindset, this article on staying consistent without being perfect might help.

Be Kind to Yourself

Perfection isn’t realistic during the holidays and that’s not the point. Fitness should enhance your life, not make you feel guilty. If you miss a few workouts or indulge in more sweets than usual, it’s okay. One meal, or even one week, doesn’t erase your progress, but a bad mindset can.

What matters is how quickly you return to balance. A short morning walk, some stretching before bed, or one nourishing meal can help you reset. Instead of judging yourself, notice how movement makes you feel better mentally and physically. Show gratitude in the little daily accomplishments and find a routine that works for you!

Staying consistent with fitness during the holidays doesn’t mean following a perfect plan. It’s about making intentional choices that keep you feeling grounded, energized, and confident through all the celebrations. Move your body in ways that fit your schedule, eat mindfully without restriction, and give yourself permission to rest when you need it.

Come January, you won’t need to “start over.” You’ll simply continue where you left off, stronger, happier, and proud that you made space for yourself during a busy season. Plus, you can set realistic goals for yourself and be ready to crush them.

If holiday eating brings up any guilt or stress, this piece on healthy mindset shifts is a good read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How often should I work out during the holidays?
Depending on your normal routine, aim for 3–4 workouts per week, even if they are shorter than your normal routine. Remember, something is always better than nothing.

2. What if I’m traveling and can’t access a gym?
Bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or quick outdoor workouts are all great options. Walks, stair climbs, or yoga flows can easily fit into your day without equipment. We always provide workout inspiration on instagram.

3. How do I stay motivated when my schedule keeps changing?
Focus on consistency, not intensity. Remind yourself how much better you feel after moving. Try keeping a “movement log” on your phone to celebrate small wins instead of aiming for perfection.

4. Can I enjoy holiday food and still stay healthy?
Yes. The goal isn’t to restrict yourself, it’s to enjoy food mindfully. Choose your favorites, eat slowly, and balance rich meals with lighter ones. Staying hydrated and moving regularly also helps your digestion and energy.

5. What’s the best way to get back on track if I fall off?
Start small. One short workout, one balanced meal, or one night of good sleep can help you reset. Don’t wait for Monday or January, just start today with something simple.

Join The WELLTHY Holiday Mini Challenge! Ten days of short, effective workouts and accountability check-ins to help you stay consistent and feel your best through the holidays. Visit Subtract to learn more.