Quick and Effective: How to Squeeze in Shorter Workouts During the Busy Holiday Season

The holiday season is packed with celebrations, travel, and family gatherings, making it challenging to stick to a fitness routine. But here’s some good news: shorter workouts can be just as effective as longer sessions, especially when you maximize your time. Let’s dive into quick workout ideas and tips to keep you moving all season long—even with the busiest schedule!

1. Power Up with HIIT Workouts

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is one of the best ways to get a powerful workout in a short period. HIIT combines bursts of intense exercise with short recovery periods, giving you a full-body workout that’s great for burning calories and boosting metabolism in as little as 15-20 minutes.

Try Echelon’s 10- or 15-Minute HIIT Classes: Available in the app, these classes are designed to keep your heart rate up and make the most of your time. From cycling to bodyweight circuits, you can choose from various HIIT options to fit your mood and goals.

2. Focus on Compound Movements

When time is tight, prioritize exercises that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements, like squats, lunges, push-ups, and rows, offer more bang for your buck by engaging multiple areas at once, so you’ll feel the burn and see results even with shorter sessions.

Echelon’s Total Body Strength Classes: The app’s 10- and 20-minute classes target multiple muscle groups through compound exercises, ensuring an efficient, full-body workout that leaves you feeling accomplished.

3. Get Moving with Quick Cardio Bursts

If you’re feeling the holiday rush but still want to move, short cardio bursts are a fantastic option. Just 5-10 minutes of activity, like brisk walking, jumping jacks, or stair climbs, can improve circulation, elevate your mood, and even help manage holiday stress.

Try a Quick Ride or Row with Echelon: Echelon’s 5- and 10-minute cycling or rowing sessions are perfect for a fast, energizing cardio burst that can be squeezed in between shopping trips or holiday errands.

4. Use Bodyweight Workouts—No Equipment Needed

Bodyweight exercises are convenient, equipment-free, and effective for working out anywhere, even during holiday travel. Exercises like planks, mountain climbers, squats, and push-ups can be done in a small space, providing a versatile workout option wherever you are.

Echelon’s Bodyweight Series: Check out Echelon’s short, no-equipment-needed classes in the app. They’re a great way to stay active when you’re away from home or just need a quick movement break.

5. Keep Moving with Active Family Time

Make family time active by incorporating fitness into holiday traditions! Go for a walk after meals, have a mini dance party, or try a family-friendly yoga class together. Not only will you all get moving, but it also adds a fun, memorable twist to your holiday gatherings.

Try Echelon’s Family-Friendly Yoga or Dance Classes: The app offers fun, accessible classes that everyone can enjoy. Even a short 10-minute session adds a burst of energy and helps everyone stay engaged and active.

6. Prioritize Movement Snacks Throughout the Day

When you’re busy, workouts don’t have to be a one-time event. Movement snacks—quick, 1-5 minute exercises scattered throughout your day—are a great way to keep active. Try a few minutes of stretching, desk push-ups, or a brisk walk around the block. Small movements add up, helping to boost circulation and reduce stress.

7. Embrace Echelon’s Quick and Effective Programs

With the Echelon app, you can mix and match short classes to create a custom workout that fits your schedule. Try pairing a 10-minute HIIT with a 5-minute cool-down stretch, or opt for a 15-minute core session to stay strong through the holiday festivities.

Echelon’s 5, 10, and 15-Minute Classes: Designed with busy schedules in mind, these classes offer everything from strength to cardio, stretching, and recovery. They’re perfect for a quick session or for stacking multiple classes when you have a bit more time.

Pro Tips for Staying Consistent During the Holidays

1. Set Small Goals: Aim to move every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Little accomplishments add up!
2. Schedule It: Treat your workout time as a non-negotiable, even if it’s just 5 minutes.
3. Stay Flexible: If you miss a planned workout, squeeze in a quick movement snack to stay on track.

By making the most of shorter workouts, you’ll keep your fitness momentum going strong through the holidays. Whether it’s a 5-minute cardio burst or a 15-minute HIIT, every bit of movement counts. And with Echelon’s variety of quick classes, you have plenty of options to stay fit, stress-free, and ready for the season ahead.

Happy Holidays, and keep moving with Echelon!