12 Days of Fitstyle

Welcome to the 12 days of Fitstyle! A guide to keeping up your routine during the hustle and bustle of the holidays and making this the most Fitstylish time of the year. It is without a doubt that this time of year has our schedules bulging at the seams and can make fitting in fitness difficult, but our belief is that fitness, movement, and a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t get in the way - but fit into your day. These fitstyle tips will help keep you merrily on your way!

Day 1: Baking with Elbow Grease

Swap your stand mixer for a whisk

Here at Fitstyle by Shana, we’re no stranger to a kitchen workout, and this one burns calories while you bake. Swap out your stand or hand mixer for a traditional whisk! 30 minutes of whisking by hand can burn  81 calories, couple that with peeling, chopping, and mashing, and rolling out dough, and you're sure to find your holiday shimmer. Need a tasty recipe? Try these guilt-free holiday cookies.

Day 2: A Balancing Act

Balance on one foot while opening holiday cards.

This tip is great for the whole family. Grab that stack of holiday mail to open or send and see who can balance on one foot the longest while each card is read or envelope stuffed and sealed. Balancing on one foot is a great way to strengthen your muscles and your mind. When you balance on one foot you activate muscles like your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core. Plus, you’ll strengthen the coordination between your ears, eyes, joints, and muscles. Sensors in all our joints and muscles keep sending feedback to the brain so they can work to keep you upright. No need to lose balance even as we age if we pick up this habit.

Day 3: Stretch It Out

Relax with a shoulder roll or neck stretch

A fitstyle go-to. Use this move throughout your day to destress, check your posture, or take a break. We carry the bulk of our tension in our neck and shoulders and stretching is an easy way to release it. Keep this one in your road trip arsenal if you’re traveling for the holidays. Follow along with me in this quick shoulder roll video to unwind at any time. 

Day 4: Winter Stroll

Walk and talk with a friend

Every step counts, especially during the holidays, grab your family, your friends, or even your work secret Santa and go for a walk. Take this time together to finalize holiday plans, escape the office, or just catch up. Too cold to head outside? Have them join you for an energy-boosting indoor walk class with the fitstyle family. 

Day 5: Movie Marathon

Fitstyle your movie night

A holiday movie marathon is always a favorite. Try it with a fitstyle twist. Make a movie movement rule and get in a workout while you watch. Here are some of our favorites: 3 squats every time someone mentions Santa by name, 10 forward arm circles any time you hear a Christmas carol, or stand up and then sit down whenever you see a menorah, holiday sweater, or Santa hat; anything goes from jumping jacks to toe touches. Get creative and make your own house rules.

Day 6: Just Breathe

Take a deep breath to start every meal

Taking a deep breath helps you focus on the moment - the beautifully prepared meal, those loved ones you’re sharing it with and gives you time to assess your hunger before you fill your plate. Deep breathing supplies more oxygen to all our body parts, which can aid in overall digestion and your immune system.

Day 7: Sip Sip Hooray

H2W (water before wine)

We believe in enjoying all aspects of the holidays including the egg nog, but try using the - H2W Rule: a glass of water before the second glass of wine or whatever you’re drinking! You can apply this rule to any holiday beverage egg nog, Moscow mules, even hot cocoa! Staying hydrated can also help boost your immune system and keep dry winter skin and sinuses at bay.

Day 8: Tour the Town

Take in the ambiance

The holidays are a great time to act like a tourist and see your hometown like it’s the first time. Hop in the car, turn on the tunes, and take a drive - to check out the holiday lights. It’s a perfect way to end a busy day and appreciate the moment. And a fun way to get everyone away from their screens. Or bundle up and see if there are light displays or neighborhoods you can walk through. Plan ahead and leave a note and candy cane for your favorite houses.

Day 9: Sit and Shop

Seated hip stretch as you online shop

Take the (hip) pressure out of shopping for the perfect gift with this seated hip stretch. Start and end your (shopping) day using this stretch. Stretching your hips can also help relieve lower back pain.

Day 10: Cook up a Sweat

Dish Towel Twist to work those abs

Whether you’re making a holiday meal or helping the host - the kitchen is a prime spot to get in a fitstylish workout. No need to make plans to get there because you know it’s a room you’ll get to during the day! Try this easy dish towel twist while you whip up your holiday feast.

And for more ideas, try the Kitchen Dish Towel Workout.

Day 11: Wrap It Up

Wrap holiday gifts while sitting or standing

When those holiday packages finally hit your front step, use the opportunity to get fitstylish by wrapping presents standing up or sitting on the floor! If you are standing, use this posture check to keep your body aligned. If you’re sitting on the floor, spread out your legs and stretch between each gift.

Day 12: Give Yourself a Hug

A self-care stretch

The last move in this set of twelve is our favorite! Give yourself a hug - literally. Start by standing tall and inhaling as you open your arms out wide. Exhale as you cross your arms, placing your right arm over your left and your leftover your right to give yourself a hug. Breathe deeply as you use your hands to draw your shoulders forward. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds. It’s the perfect way to bring self-care into this season of giving and it’s the way we end all of our Fitstyle classes.

You did it! The 12 Days of Fitstyle are here to help keep you happy and healthy throughout the season.

Keep building health habits in the new year and work with me one on one or become a fitstyle member. Learn more here.