Stay Strong Through the Holidays: Quick Workouts for a Busy Season

Winter doesn’t exactly make it easy to keep a workout routine going. Between travel, social gatherings, and a calendar that’s somehow always double-booked, workouts tend to slide off the to-do list. But here’s the good news, you don’t need long sessions to stay strong. Short workouts done consistently can keep your energy up, stress down, and momentum rolling into the new year.

That’s what acac holiday fitness is all about, realistic routines that fit your life, not the other way around.

The holidays can feel like an endurance event in their own right, late nights, rich food and drink, and constant movement that unfortunately usually doesn’t count as exercise. But a few quick workouts can make a big difference. Staying active helps manage stress, keeps energy levels steady, and maintains strength you’ve worked for all year long.

When you see it as balance rather than punishment, exercise suddenly feels much more manageable. A 20-minute workout can do more for your focus and mood than an extra cup of coffee or another scroll through your phone. When schedules are tight, short workouts help you stay grounded both mentally and physically, so you can actually enjoy the holiday season instead of just powering through it. We’ll look at three workouts that are quick and effective.

Even with limited time, like waiting in the airport for your late flight, or in the hotel room, you can squeeze in session that counts. Try one of these short workouts, no gym marathon required.

1. Total-Body Circuit (No Equipment Needed)
Set a timer for 20 minutes and cycle through these exercises:

Repeat the circuit 3–4 times with minimal rest. It’s quick, sweaty, and gets your heart rate up while hitting every major muscle group. If your body says “no” to burpees try jump squats, mountain climbers, jumping jacks or march in place.

2. Dumbbell Power Session
At the gym grab a set of moderate weight dumbbells and perform:

Rest 30 seconds between rounds. Go for 4–5 total. It’s simple, efficient, and keeps your strength base solid even when you’re short on time.

3. Group Strength Class or HIIT
If you’re near to your acac club, jump into a group strength class. You’ll get guidance, energy, and accountability, plus a few well-timed groans when the instructor adds “just one more round.” Group fitness is one of the easiest and fun ways to stay consistent through the holidays.

No gym? No problem. Pack a resistance band or use your own bodyweight, both go a long way when you’re on the move.

These small movements keep stiffness at bay and maintain your rhythm until you’re back in your normal fitness routine.

You don’t need more hours in the day, just smarter use of the ones you already have. Try these quick adjustments to make your workouts stick.

1. Schedule Them Like Appointments.
If it’s on your calendar, it’s more likely to happen. Treat a 20-minute workout like a meeting you cannot skip. Keep your gym bag packed and ready in the car.

2. Combine Cardio and Strength.
Think of compound moves like squats with presses or lunges with curls, they raise your heart rate and build strength in half the time.

3. Add Micro Workouts.
Ten push-ups before your shower. A one-minute plank before bed. A few air squats while dinner’s in the oven. These moments add up more than you think.

The point isn’t perfection, it’s movement. Consistency keeps you feeling good through the holidays and helps you avoid the dreaded January “starting over” feeling.

At acac, we get that your time is limited, especially this time of year. That’s why acac holiday fitness options are designed to keep things simple, efficient, and motivating.

Pop in for a quick class, jump into a group fitness class, or work one-on-one with a trainer who can customize short workouts around your schedule. Our gyms are open around your schedule, with amenities that make it easier to fit in a session, from child care to clean locker rooms and equipment that’s always ready to go.

And if you’re traveling or juggling events, our trainers can help you map out an easy at-home or travel-day plan that keeps you on track until the decorations come down.

Try a workout at acac!

Whether you’ve ten minutes or an hour, movement is what keeps you going through the winter, and we’ll help you make the most of it. Stop by your nearest acac location or grab a one-day pass to try a quick workout that fits your holiday schedule.

Stay strong, focused and remember, fitness doesn’t take a holiday, but it can absolutely fit into one!