8 Ways to Spice Up Your Holiday Activity

By SGT Chloe Barnes

As we continue to welcome the holiday season into our lives, exercise may not be so seamlessly worked into our schedules as usual. We may be involved in large gatherings, small gatherings, going out, or staying inside—all of which tend to involve goodies in the form of food, which brings us back to the importance of exercise. It may not be the most exciting option when so many other once-a-year festivities may sound so much more fun, but there are ways to get moving and keep it fun! Maybe switching it up a bit is just what you need to get moving, rather than sticking to the “norm.” Taking it easy on those mashed potatoes and pies can definitely help you to keep your cool, but the option of burning some calories is also on the table.

According to your abilities, consider spicing up your regular go-to exercises with something unique that you’ve never tried before. I have never thought after finishing a workout, “I wish I didn’t do that. What a waste of my life.” I know I’m not alone in that fact, yet often the hardest part is getting there and doing it! That’s why I think this is as good a season as ever to try something that has the excitement factor to help motivation to get there, and also happens to have the benefits of exercise! A social gathering can even be combined with some activity to get the most out of your time.

Getting out of your comfort zone is a great way to boost your holiday spirit. Below, I present you with some unique ideas you may want to try out. You’re welcome—sorry I didn’t wrap it.



1. Be the Nutcracker You Wish to See in the World- Ballet Barre classes are available at many locations, and even online so you can do them from the comfort of your home using a chair or something around the same height as a barre. These classes include slow and fast movements which can increase athletic qualities such as strength, balance, stamina, flexibility, and of course, artistry. Bring out your inner sugar plum fairy or strong and handsome prince with Ballet Barre.

2. Bring Child’s Play Back- Get moving at your own home. If electronics have not completely taken over, there may be some outdoor play toys such as scooters, pogo sticks, jump ropes and hula hoops lying around. If not, it can be a goal to bring some of these fun things back! Get some friends or the kids in your life together and perhaps make it a circuit training activity where everyone has a turn exercising with an item for a certain amount of time and then moves to the next item in the rotation. Or, if you’re needing some activity or a boost of energy between household activities, set a timer and do one of these childhood activities for 5-10 minutes. Chances are, you’ll be happy you did and feel more youthful and energetic.

3. Crank Up a Different Tune- Maybe you just feel like your normal go-to exercise, but want to change it up somehow. Try playing some music you would not normally listen to, and you may see a boost in motivation. It may even tickle your funny bone, which gives you some extra endorphins to boost your workout. I mean, if I add some screamo or chipmunks to my mix, it may make me chuckle. I may even consider mixing chipmunks and screamo for some extra intensity. These are merely suggestions. The world is your pie.

4. March Along AND Sing Your Song- Whatever your fitness focus is, mix it up with music you make by yourself! Singing, alone, is beneficial for your mental and physical health, and so is exercise! So, capitalize on the benefits of both! For example, try singing while doing cardio (such as dancing, walking, or biking) or even see how long you can be in a plank position while singing. You can sing the whole Army song for all I care—in fact, I’d encourage it. I bet with some practice you can get through your favorite song! (Disclaimer: If you’re favorite song is Handel’s "Messiah," results may take longer.) Singing while exercising is a great way to practice breath control because it forces you to inhale and exhale, therefore keeping that oxygen flowing through your body. Whether you’re running to practice breath control for your singing career, or singing to practice breath control for your Army career or overall fitness, you win.

5. Circus Workouts-Circus fitness classes are available at many gyms. Learn and practice circus arts from aerial fabric movement to trapeze arts to perfecting your hand standing skills. Maybe you can get good enough to land a circus job, if that's your thing. 

6. You’re Gonna Hear Me "Rawr" (some prefer meowing)- Believe it or not, there are several companies out there providing animal-inspired workouts. You will move like various animals while using your whole body and working out multiple muscles at once in the process. Increase mobility, power, and endurance by getting into this wild action. You can find these workouts online or find classes to go to. You may be willing to try it just to have fun pretending to be a lion while laughing at yourself and others.

7. Get Airborne-Trampoline workouts may be a nice addition to your season. If you have a trampoline, but it is covered in snow, you can go to a trampoline gym. Take some friends along to get in some holiday socializing while you’re at it. You can burn calories while learning and performing awesome tricks! As long as you’re jumping, you’re heart rate is increased and you'll probably have a smile on your face.

And finally...

8. Let’s Face It- Your body may be tired from all the activity, so try focusing on an area of your body that doesn't get as much focused exercise—your face! Face yoga is something you can look up online and perform the exercises you find. The facial yoga moves can help tone areas of your face and neck. It can release tension and help with some pain you may be having. If nothing else, it’s a fun thing to try alone or with your friends. Focus on your beauty and radiance, and have some laughs while experimenting with face yoga, because laughing is good for you, too.

Before you get on with your life and activities to get moving, comment below suggesting some of your own tried and tested unique workouts, and give input if you have experience with any of these weird-yet-fun ways to get moving and improve your health.