Through Movement and Connection

Christmas is a time for family, joy, and connection. But what happens when you’re far from home, navigating the holidays in a different place or with a new set of traditions? Over the past several years, I’ve spent Christmas away from my family, finding unique ways to embrace the holiday spirit while staying true to my values of health, wellness, and movement. These experiences have taught me that joy isn’t confined to traditions—it’s something we can create through intentional actions and shared moments.

Moving Through the Holidays

Movement has always been my anchor, and during the holidays, it becomes even more important. Not only does it keep the body energized, but it also brings people together in meaningful ways.

Here are some ways you can incorporate movement into your holiday celebrations, no matter where you are:

Neighborhood Walks: One of my favorite holiday memories was gathering a group on Lanai, Hawaii, where I lived and worked for several years. We walked through the neighborhoods, admiring the festive lights and decorations. It was simple but incredibly meaningful. Whether you’re with family or friends, a walk can be a time to connect, share stories, and soak in the magic of the season.
Holiday-Themed Workouts: Create a playful holiday workout—think "12 Days of Fitness" or a festive circuit with moves like "snowball throws" (medicine ball slams) or "reindeer lunges" (walking lunges). Invite others to join and make it a group event. Movement doesn’t have to be serious to be impactful.

Holiday Workout

This builder workout will keep you moving and spreading holiday cheer! For each round, you’ll add a new exercise, building from 1 to 12. You will do 25 reps or 12 each side of each movement to make 12/25!

How It Works

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Start with exercise 1.
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In the next round, do exercise 1 and then exercise 2.

Continue adding one new exercise each round until you’ve completed all 12.

You can do this workout solo or with a partner, breaking up the reps however you'd like! For added fun, challenge another pair to see who can complete it the fastest.

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Squat (25 reps)
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Plank Shoulder Tap (25 total, 12 each side)

Single Leg Deadlift (25 total, 12 each side)

Plank with Hip Flexion (25 total, 12 each side)

Tips for Success

Modify exercises as needed to suit your fitness level.

Rest for 30-60 seconds between rounds as the workout builds intensity.

Celebrate each milestone with a sip of water!

This workout is a fun and festive way to stay active during the holidays while spreading the message of health and movement. Grab your friends or family and challenge them to complete all 12 with you!

Outdoor Adventures: If the weather allows, take your holiday celebrations outside. Whether it’s a hike, a beach walk, or a day on the slopes, outdoor movement brings an extra layer of joy and connection.
Dance It Out: Turn up the holiday tunes and dance with your loved ones. Dancing is not only a great workout but also a wonderful way to let loose and create laughter-filled memories.

Finding Joy When You’re Far from Home

Spending Christmas away from family can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to embrace new traditions and find joy in unexpected places. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Create Community: Whether it’s colleagues, friends, or neighbors, invite people to join you for a holiday activity.
Find Beauty in Simplicity: You don’t need elaborate plans to feel the holiday spirit. A quiet walk, a cup of cocoa after a workout, or even a moment of gratitude for where you are can make the season special.
Stay True to Your Values: Movement has always been a part of my life, and it’s something I lean on during the holidays. It’s a way to ground myself, stay present, and connect with others, even when traditions look different.

Movement as a Gift

At its core, the holiday season is about giving, and one of the greatest gifts we can share is movement. When we move together, we create moments of connection, laughter, and joy. Whether it’s a simple walk, a playful workout, or a dance party, these shared experiences bring us closer to the people around us and to the essence of the season.

Inspiring Movement Through Meaningful Gifts

The holidays are also an opportunity to inspire movement in others through thoughtful gifts. For me, one of the most meaningful gifts I’ve given was to my mom. I gifted her resistance bands along with a personalized program designed to help her move out of pain and get back to moving freely. It was more than just a present—it was a way to empower her with the tools to take charge of her health and well-being. Whether it’s equipment, a class membership, or even time spent moving together, these gifts show that you care about their journey to better health.

A Holiday Message of Movement and Joy

Christmas is more than a date on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to move, connect, and find joy in the moment. Even when we’re far from family, we can create meaningful traditions that honor the spirit of the season and our commitment to wellness.

This year, I encourage you to embrace movement as part of your holiday celebration. Gather your loved ones, invite a neighbor, or simply step outside and move with intention. From my experience on Lanai to wherever you find yourself this holiday season, movement has a way of bringing us together and reminding us of what truly matters.

May your holidays be filled with joy, connection, and plenty of movement. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Finding holiday joy

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