If you’re struggling to find time to fit in a workout during the holidays, you’re not alone. Between traveling, social plans, and holiday festivities, it’s challenging to set aside time to break a sweat.
However, it’s actually easier than you think when you reconsider your definition of exercise and find ways to split it up throughout the day. Who says you have to do it all at once?
Here are four ways to get in a good calorie burn and strength session when you’re low on time and flexibility.
Add It to Your Morning Commute
Heading to work on the subway? Do some squats or lunges as you wait for the train to arrive. And stand—don’t sit—as standing burns more calories.
If you walk to work, take the stairs for a quick detour to move those legs! If you commute via bicycle, wear a backpack for extra weight and try increasing the resistance.
Break It Up Throughout the Day
A few minutes of squat jumps, jumping rope, or a lunge and sprint session on the staircase throughout the day can be a great way to get moving and keep your heart rate elevated.
Plus, short spurts won’t fatigue you as much as if you were doing it all in one session. You can give each burst your greatest intensity to maximize burn and muscle development.
Find “Non-Exercises” to Do for a Workout
Get this—doing laundry, cleaning, washing the dishes, and other regular errands can all count as exercise! It turns out that you can burn a good amount of calories and define lean muscle by just staying active and moving your body.
And if you’re shoveling snow in the winter—you’re in luck! It’s a total body workout.
Multitask
Want to work out but too busy watching your favorite TV shows? We know the feeling! However, you can actually do both. Do some squats, lunges, and ab work in front of your television—you can watch your shows and get a workout in. Plus, the TV will stimulate you, so you’ll feel less tired while working out. It could even be extra motivation—if you workout, you get Netflix time, too.
The same can be done with cooking. Simply put something in the oven or slow cooker and do a workout while you’re waiting for it to finish.
What are your favorite ways to workout during the holidays when you don’t have time? Please share below!