Whilst our weekly Kickabout sessions take a festive break, keep yourselves active… but without spoiling the fun!
The festive period is a time many of us look forward to all year. It’s about switching off from work, spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food, and celebrating. But it’s also the time when routines disappear, sofas become very inviting, and exercise can quickly slide down the priority list.
Between family commitments, travelling, hosting guests, and preparing for social gatherings, finding time (or motivation) to stay active can feel like a challenge. Add in the inevitable over-indulgence — extra meals, festive treats, and a few more drinks than usual — and it’s no surprise that many people emerge in January feeling sluggish and out of sorts.
Staying active over Christmas doesn’t mean strict routines, long gym sessions, or missing out on enjoyment. In fact, movement can actually support the festive season — helping with energy levels, digestion, sleep, and mood, as well as easing the recovery from a bit of excess food and drink.The key is to shift the mindset. This isn’t about “burning off” calories or being perfect; it’s about keeping your body moving in simple, realistic ways that fit around everything else that’s going on.
Simple and realistic ways to stay active over Christmas:
- Lower the bar (and keep it there). Ten or twenty minutes of movement still counts. A short walk, gentle stretch, or quick bodyweight routine is far better than nothing.
- Build movement into family time. Suggest a walk after Christmas dinner, a trip to the park, or kicking a ball around with the kids. It’s sociable, low-pressure, and gets everyone moving.
- Use walking as your default. Walk to the shops, walk while catching up with friends, or take a brisk stroll to clear your head. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay active without planning.
- Make use of quiet moments; a short session before the house wakes up, or a stretch while watching TV, can help maintain routine without eating into family time.
- Focus on how movement makes you feel. Exercise can help shake off that heavy, over-full feeling and improve energy levels — especially after a big meal or a late night.
- Ditch the “all or nothing” thinking. Missing a few days doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Just pick it up again when you can.
- Prioritise recovery. Gentle movement, hydration, and fresh air can do wonders after over-indulgence — no need for punishing workouts.
A festive reminder: Christmas is meant to be enjoyed. Staying active isn’t about restriction or guilt — it’s about supporting your body so you can fully enjoy the season and head into the new year feeling a bit more energised, rather than completely drained. A little movement, done consistently and without pressure, goes a long way — even (and especially) at Christmas.
Our weekly schedule returns Monday 12th January 2026.
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