Christmas – it’s a great time to mix merriment with muscle, yuletide with your well-being, and excitement with exercise! We know it’s tricky to find time for exercise over the holidays – there’s so much to do and almost never enough time to do it. But you should keep your healthy routines going over the holidays – why – because it will boost your happiness, make you stronger and healthier through the holidays and into 2024, help you think with clarity and move with grace despite the odd bit of feasting and making merry! But sticking to the same old routine can be boring, so let’s add a few new exercises to spice things up. But, if you have any injuries or aches that stop you doing these exercises or anything else you’d hoped to do over the holidays, click here to book an appointment online. The osteopaths here at Active Osteopathy and Podiatry are here to help you get moving and feeling better so you can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday.
Frosty Squats in a Winter Wonderland (Whatever the Weather!)
How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, as if you’re ready to join a snowball fight, toes slightly turned out to embrace the chill. Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back, just like you’re gracefully taking a seat in a winter wonderland. Make sure your knees stay in line with your toes, and then rise back to the standing position, as if you’re greeting the snow-covered sunrise.
Muscles Worked: These frosty squats work wonders for your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, just like building a snowman. And don’t forget your core, which stays as strong as a snow fort!
Christmas Joke: What do you call a snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman!
The Christmas Bridge for a Holly Jolly Booty!
How to do it: Lie on your back, ready to build a bridge to the North Pole, with your knees bent and feet placed firmly on the snowy ground, hip-width apart. Lift your hips like Santa’s sleigh taking off, then extend one leg straight up like a Christmas tree topper while keeping the other on the ground. Lower your hips (and then your extended leg) with all the grace of a snowflake and repeat on the other side. This exercise will have your glutes feeling as merry as Santa on Christmas Eve!
Muscles Worked: This festive bridge targets your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles, making your booty as jolly as a holiday carol!
Christmas Joke: Why was the snowman a great personal trainer? Because he had a cool down routine!
Festive Lunge-A-Thon: Stepping into the New Year with Style!
How to do it: Stand tall, ready to kick off the festivities with your feet together. Take a step forward with one leg, as if you’re stepping into a new year’s adventure, and lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Push off the front foot like a New Year firework and return to the starting position. Repeat the joyful journey on the other side.
Muscles worked: These festive lunges engage your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, while also adding a touch of balance and stability to your celebrations. It’s the perfect way to step into the new year with strength and grace!
So, let’s jingle all the way to a healthier and happier you this Christmas season! Keep your spirits high, your heart light, and your body active. And don’t forget that we’re here to help if injuries or aches and pains are getting in your way. Click here to make an appointment with the osteopaths at Active Osteopathy and Podiatry. After all, there’s no better gift you can give yourself than the gift of good health!
Wishing you a joyful and active Christmas season!
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