Fitness, Flexibility, and Family During the Holidays

Yesterday, I really wanted to squeeze in a quick jog. The day before had been nonstop—carting my kid from one activity to the next—and I was craving a little time to myself. As soon as I put my shoes on and headed for the door, my three-year-old asked, “Hey mom, can I jog with you?”

Now, if you’ve ever tried to jog with a toddler, you know where this is going. At first, I was frustrated. I just wanted a few quiet minutes to move and clear my head. I even thought about asking my partner to distract him so I could go alone. But then I saw how excited he was, and I knew this could be a chance to connect with him in a way that would make us both happy.

So, we went for it. We jogged together for about five minutes—him trotting along beside me, asking questions, and giggling the whole way. I was so proud of him for keeping up as long as he did. When we reached the park, he spotted the playground and decided it was time to stop. “Just for a little bit,” he promised, even though I knew the jog was probably over.

That’s when I got creative. While he climbed and slid, I came up with a game. I jogged to a tree farther up the path, touched it, and ran back to give him a high five. Then I went to a tree even farther away and repeated the pattern. It gave me another solid 10 minutes of movement while keeping him entertained.

When he eventually got tired and hungry, we walked home for snacks. But I wasn’t ready to give up on my workout. I grabbed my kettlebell, loaded his snacks into the stroller, and we headed back to the playground. While he munched and played, I worked through my Iron Cardio routine for 20 minutes.

By the end of it all, I’d pieced together about 40 minutes of exercise, and I’d done it while spending time with my son. It wasn’t the uninterrupted workout I’d envisioned, but it was better in so many ways. I moved my body, soaked in the fresh air, and shared special moments with my kid.

How to Make Fitness Work This Holiday Season

This time of year is chaotic for all of us, and it’s easy to let fitness slip off the list. But with a little flexibility and creativity, you can keep moving without sacrificing time with your family.

Here’s what I learned (or was reminded of) yesterday:

1. Be Flexible: A workout doesn’t have to be perfect or uninterrupted to be effective. Break it up if you need to.
2. Get Creative: Use what you have—trees, playgrounds, or even a stroller—to stay active wherever you are.
3. Make It Fun for Everyone: Movement can be a bonding opportunity. Let your kids be part of the process.
4. Prioritize Your Needs Too: It’s okay to make time for yourself. You’ll show up better for your family when you feel good.

The holidays are busy, but they’re also full of opportunities for connection and joy. You don’t have to choose between your health and your family. You can make it work, even if it looks a little different than usual.

Looking for more ways to stay active through the holiday hustle? Check out our quick, no-fuss conditioning classes designed to fit into your busiest days.