How to Stay Fit During December Without Stress
December has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute we’re cruising through our normal routine, feeling pretty good about our training, and the next… it’s holiday parties, travel, rich food, late nights, and a calendar that looks like it’s been filled in by someone playing Tetris on hard mode.
I’ve been there. So many times, actually, and honestly with you, sometimes I am still. December is the month where people quietly abandon any structure and tell themselves, “It’s fine, I’ll start fresh in January.” But the truth is, taking care of your body doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing commitment—especially during the holidays.
You can stay active.
You can feel good.
You can enjoy the season and keep your momentum.
And you can do it all without stressing yourself out.
Here some tips on how to do it..
Reframe Your December Goals
December isn’t the month to push for extreme progress or set big, shiny new goals. It is the perfect month to shift your focus toward maintenance, consistency, and feeling good in your body.
Instead of:
“I need to lose weight.”
“I must hit the gym five times a week.”
“I can’t eat anything unhealthy.”
Try:
“I want to stay active two-three days a week.”
“I’ll keep my strength routine simple.”
“I’ll enjoy festive food mindfully.”
When you release the pressure, you often find yourself doing more—not less.
Keep Movement Simple and Flexible
December routines get messy, so your workouts should meet you where you are.
Some easy ways to stay active this month:
• Short home workouts (10–20 minutes)
Bodyweight squats, push-ups, lunges, glute bridges, planks… yes, they count. And yes, they make a difference.
• Resistance bands in your bag
If you’re travelling or your schedule is unpredictable, bands are perfect for quick strength sessions.
• Post-meal walks
This is one of my December favourites. Gets your digestion moving, clears your head, and doesn’t require any willpower beyond putting on shoes. You can do it with your family, pet or friends.
• Make it social
A walk with a friend. A family dance session. Running around with kids in the garden. Play is movement.
Remember: You don’t need a “perfect” workout to stay fit in December. Every bit of movement adds up more than you think.
Enjoy Holiday Food Without Guilt
Let’s be honest—food is a big part of the holiday season. For years I tried to “be good” at events, and all it did was make me feel restricted and stressed. Eventually, I realised something important:
A couple of festive meals won’t undo your progress — but the stress and guilt around them might.
Here’s what helps:
• Choose your favourites on purpose
You don’t need to eat everything on the table. Pick the treats you genuinely love and skip the ones you don’t care about.
• Eat normally between events
When you're not at a party, focus on balanced meals with protein, veg, and whole foods. No need for extremes.
• Slow down and savour
Enjoy every bite. This naturally leads to better portion control without forcing it.
• Hydrate like it’s your job
A lot of holiday sluggishness comes from dehydration (and alcohol). Keep a bottle of water nearby.
Food is meant to be enjoyed, especially this time of year.
Prioritise Recovery and Mental Well-Being
“Fitness” in December isn’t just what you do in the gym or kitchen. It’s also how well you rest, decompress, and support your mood.
• Protect your sleep (as much as you can)
Late nights happen, but try to keep some consistency. Even a 20-minute power nap can make a surprising difference.
• Slow down for a few minutes each day
Five minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness can reset your system, especially when everything feels chaotic.
• Let yourself rest
If you’re exhausted, take a break. You’re not falling behind—you’re recovering.
When your nervous system is calmer, everything else gets easier: eating well, moving your body, making good choices, handling stress.
Plan Lightly, Track Lightly
December isn’t the time for rigid plans or obsessive tracking. But a little structure can help you stay grounded.
Try this simple method:
At the start of each week, choose 3 movement goals.
(Example: two workouts + one long walk.)Write them in your calendar like appointments.
They don’t need to be long sessions, just intentional ones.Do a quick check-in on Sundays.
What worked? What felt too much? What do you want to try next week?
This keeps you consistent without adding pressure.
Celebrate the Small Wins
One of the biggest mindset shifts I ever made was realising that small wins matter—and in December, they matter even more.
You chose a home workout instead of skipping altogether.
You had a mindful meal in between parties.
You went for a walk on a cold morning.
You listened to your body and rested.
These things keep your fitness foundation strong. They carry you through the holidays and into the new year without feeling like you're starting from zero.
Be proud of those wins. They’re not small at all.
You Can Enjoy December and Stay Fit
December doesn’t have to be chaotic or guilt-filled. You don’t need extreme discipline or perfect routines. You simply need a little intention, a little flexibility, and a lot of self-compassion.
Choose movement that feels good.
Eat food you love.
Rest when you need to.
Stay kind to yourself.
And remember: fitness isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself in the ways that matter, especially when life gets busy.
If you need support with your fitness goals, book a free consultation — bring your goal, I bring the plan.
Or take December into your own hands with my two 6-week bodyweight programmes designed to keep you moving forward.
