12 WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE ON HOLIDAYS

If there’s one thing most of us have over the holidays, it’s time. And given a ‘lack of time’ is one of the largest barriers to fitness, there’s really no excuse to stay active on holidays. It doesn’t have to mean sweating it out in the gym. Get outdoors, make the most of the weather and prepare to kick off the new year on a high! Here’s 12 fun ideas to get moving:


1. GO FOR WALKS

One of the simplest forms of exercise is one of the most effective. The great thing about walking while on holidays is that you’re not limited to strolling by yourself around the local neighbourhood and rushing back in time for work. Go exploring! Discover new walking tracks, go on a hike in a national park or kick off your shoes and walk along the beach. Catching up with friends over a walk is also a great way to avoid an indulgent lunch.


2. HOLD A CLEANING BEE

Grab a mop and bucket and work out the old fashioned way. Scrubbing, sweeping, vacuuming, running up and downstairs – you’ll be surprised just how easy it is to work up a sweat while cleaning house. Get the family together, divvy up the chores and get cleaning with vigour!


3. ENERGISE YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

As if a day of Christmas shopping isn’t exhausting enough, there are plenty of ways to make your time at the mall even more active. Park a few blocks away, skip the elevator and take the stairs or say no to a trolley. All that walking around can really work up a sweat, so throw on your active wear and hit the shops!


4. TAKE A DIP

Ditch the pool lounge and get active in the water this summer. Whether you’re at the beach or in the pool, there are plenty of high intensity cardio exercises to create an effective water workout. Try high-knee jogging on the spot, squat jumps or flutter kicks from the pool edge.


5. DISCOVER AN ACTIVE HOBBY

Set yourself a goal to try something new these holidays. Enrol in surfing lessons, rent a stand-up paddleboard, or buy a pair of hiking boots and head up to the mountains. You never know, you might just discover a brand new hobby!


6. PLAY BACKYARD GAMES

There’s no better time to start a family tradition. Who will be the winner of the inaugural, Christmas Day backyard cricket match? If your backyard is on the smaller side, pack an esky and take a stroll to the local park.


7. COOL OFF WITH THE KIDS

Because, why not. Heck, sprinklers are fun! And there’s no rule that says Mum and Dad can’t have a kick-ass water gun on their Christmas list, too. Strip down to your swimmers, buy a 50 pack of water balloons and discover your inner child.


8. GET IN THE GARDEN

Ah, the fresh air! Gardening is the ultimate mind/body workout. Digging around in the dirt is not only an excellent form of functional exercise; it cultivates a healthy mind as you immerse yourself in nature.


9. VISIT THE PLAYGROUND

Staying active on holidays can be child’s play – literally. If the gym is out of reach, there is a whole host of fun to be had at your nearest park or kid’s playground. You just need to get a little creative! Monkey bars? Try chin up bars. Park bench? Hello step-ups.


10. TAKE A BEACH DAY

It wouldn’t be an Aussie summer without a day at the beach. Enjoy a game of beach volleyball with the family, or go retro with Frisbee games. Pack a picnic with just enough food to satisfy everyone – it’s surprisingly easy to forget about food when it’s not right in front of you!


11. SEE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Touring your local neighbourhood on foot is even better at night over the Christmas break. Just a quick online search will tell you where to discover the best Christmas lights near you, then make a night of it with leisurely stroll.


12. DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEW YEAR

Why wait for January 1 to set yourself a goal? Take this time to focus on what you want to achieve and how you’re going to do it. Better yet, get started! Whether it’s running 5km or competing in a triathlon, the Christmas break doesn’t have to mean a break in your training.

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