Throughout the holidays, I could easily spend the entire day lounging on the sofa, re-watching Young Sheldon episodes with the boys. However, over the years, I’ve learned that the key to enjoying large family gatherings is to break away by going for a walk, preferably while listening to a humorous podcast. Today, in collaboration with lululemon, five women reveal how they stay active during the holidays…
Christine Han, photographer
Catch-up strolls: Hiking with my mom and sister is my favorite part of every visit! We leave the men and kids at home and go out as long as we like, talking and simply being together.
Dressing for cold weather: Sometimes we hike in warm places, like Sedona, Arizona (above), but we usually spend the holidays in the Chicago suburbs. We don’t mind the cold air. My old lululemon coat lasted 10 years, and now I’m eyeing this rain coat.
Preferred lululemon styles: I’ve been wearing these high-rise leggings for years. The 25″ inseam is the perfect length for petite women like myself. And I love their fanny pack so much I’ve gifted it to at least five people, including my mom and sister.
Hunter Harris, culture writer
Rejuvenating core workouts: While running between relatives’ houses, solo caring for my dog, and keeping up with my inbox, the present I can give myself is 40 minutes with noise-canceling headphones and a random core workout on Instagram.
Travel necessity: A thought unimaginable even two years ago: I’ve become that friend who asks if the hotel has a gym. They converted me, girls.
Favorite lululemon styles: I’m into this reversible sports bra, and I always opt for their comfy long-sleeve tees (I adore anything ribbed for layering as temperatures drop).
Nicki Sebastian, photographer
Exploring by foot: I’m an avid distance runner, and my favorite way to get to know a new place is to literally run right through its center.
Racing with strangers: I love signing up for a destination road race—it’s the perfect mix of sightseeing, people-watching, and capturing that collective joy you can only get when thousands of strangers become your personal cheer squad. My latest one was the Monterey Bay Half Marathon.
Preferred lululemon styles: I never leave home without my tiny-but-mighty run belt, and my beloved thermal high-rise running tights, which are basically a warm hug for your legs.
Ruth Chan, illustrator
Surfing in the mornings: Going to the beach to surf is one of my favorite ways to start the day. And during the holidays, I love a good hike with friends or family filled with random yet genuine conversations. Being in nature always creates beautiful memories.
Hike-friendly lululemon styles: I never knew what “buttery-soft” meant until I wore the Align leggings and shorts. They feel amazing. And the studio pant is perfect to slip on after a swim.
Alison Piepmeyer, marketing consultant
Daily habit: I’m one of those people who will talk your ear off about the benefits of getting 10k steps a day. I’ve always been a big walker, but that stretch between Christmas and New Year’s (when the days blur and sunlight seems absent) can REALLY affect my mood. So, I start each morning with a long walk—rain, snow, or shine.
Group exercise sessions: This winter, I booked a few hot yoga classes as a way to make time for myself. There’s something about moving in a warm, dark space (a womb?) that helps combat the winter blues. I wear high-rise shorts in black for hot yoga, but I didn’t realize they come in so many colors! Now I want them all. And when walking in the winter, I favor these joggers in classic gray.
When the family’s stuck indoors: My husband, our kids, and I will dance around the house to Chappell Roan. Thirty minutes of “Pink Pony Club” on repeat is surprisingly effective cardio.
A few more lululemon styles we adore…
Do you exercise while visiting family or traveling during the holidays? Any tips for combating the winter blues?
P.S. “How walking (just walking!) transformed my life.”
(This post is sponsored by lululemon, a brand we love. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
Exercising on Holiday: Do You Keep Up with Your Fitness Routine?
Holidays are a time to unwind, discover new places, and escape the routine. Yet for fitness buffs, the question often comes up: should you keep up with your fitness routine during a holiday? The answer depends largely on personal goals, preferences, and the trip’s nature. Here’s an overview of the advantages and approaches to staying active while enjoying your time away.
**Benefits of Exercising on Holiday**
1. **Preserving Momentum**: Maintaining your exercise regimen can help preserve the momentum you’ve built at home. This consistency can make it easier to return to your usual schedule after the trip.
2. **Stress Relief**: Traveling can at times be stressful. Exercise is a proven stress reliever, aiding to manage anxiety and boost mood through the release of endorphins.
3. **Exploration and Adventure**: Exercising on holiday doesn’t need to mean hitting the hotel gym. It can be a chance to explore your surroundings through activities like hiking, biking, or swimming, offering a unique experience of a new location.
4. **Counterbalancing Indulgence**: Holidays often involve savoring local cuisines and treats. Exercising can help balance out the surplus calories and maintain your fitness levels.
**Ways to Stay Active**
1. **Plan in Advance**: Look into your destination to identify what fitness facilities or outdoor activities are accessible. Many hotels offer gyms, and some destinations have local fitness classes or outdoor activities you can join.
2. **Set Achievable Goals**: Adapt your fitness goals to match your holiday schedule. Instead of aiming for your standard workout intensity, focus on maintaining a fundamental activity level.
3. **Combine with Fun Activities**: Pick activities that are enjoyable and unique to your destination. Whether it’s a yoga class on the beach, a mountain hike, or a city walking tour, these activities can offer both exercise and entertainment.
4. **Pack Smartly**: Bring along portable workout gear such as resistance bands or a jump rope. These can be conveniently used in a hotel room or outdoor area.
5. **Stay Flexible**: While having a plan is great, be open to spontaneous activities that may come up. Flexibility can enhance your experience and allow you to enjoy your holiday fully.
**Striking a Balance Between Relaxation and Fitness**
It’s crucial to balance relaxation with maintaining your fitness routine. Remember that taking a break from your usual routine can also benefit, allowing your body to rest and recover. Listen to your body and prioritize activities that contribute to your overall well-being.
Ultimately, whether you stick to your fitness routine on holiday is a personal decision. The key is to strike a balance that allows you to enjoy your time away while staying active in a way that feels rewarding and sustainable.
