The holiday season is a time for celebration but can also be incredibly stressful. Between shopping, parties, travel, and visiting family, it’s easy for regular exercise routines to fall by the wayside. However, new research shows that physical activity levels tend to decrease the most during this time of year.
That’s why physical therapy clinics are encouraging patients to make their health a top priority this holiday season. Regular exercise helps manage stress and supports the immune system and weight management – all critical factors for feeling your best.
“The holidays bring a lot of added demands on our time and energy,” said Rey Abadilla, a physical therapist at Youtherapy Wellness & Physical Rehab . “Exercise is a proven way to help reduce stress and improve mood. Even just 30 minutes of activity per day can make a big difference in how you feel.”
Staying active can also help support the immune system by promoting circulation and the production of antibodies. This is especially important during cold and flu season when illnesses could disrupt holiday plans.
Additionally, regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and boosting metabolism. This is crucial for managing the extra indulgences that often accompany holiday celebrations.
Physical therapists can create customized fitness plans to help patients who are struggling to maintain their exercise routines. They can teach practical exercises that can be done at home and provide tips for fitting activities into a busy schedule.
“We know the holidays are a hectic time, but it’s so important not to let your health fall to the wayside,” added Abadilla. “With some planning and creativity, you can maintain your fitness routine and enjoy a happier, healthier holiday season.”

Here are some quick tips from physical therapists

• Schedule workouts like any other important appointment
• Find ways to be active with friends and family
• Keep home exercise equipment accessible and ready to use
• Park further away from stores and buildings to get in extra steps

To learn more about maintaining your health this holiday season, visit Youtherapy Wellness and Physical Rehab .

References
Research:
1) Fredslund EK, Leppin. A Can the Easter break induce a long-term break of exercise routines? An analysis of Danish gym data using a regression discontinuity design. BMJ Open 2019;9:e024043.
a) https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/2/e024043.citation-tools
2) Henk Aarts, Theo Paulussen, Herman Schaalma, Physical exercise habit: on the conceptualization and formation of habitual health behaviours, Health Education Research, Volume 12, Issue 3, September 1997, Pages 363–374
a) https://doi.org/10.1093/her/12.3.363
3) Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency: The Intensity Traits Discrepancy Moderation Role
a) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780059/full
4) Marilyn Moffat, Stefan Hegenscheidt, Shamay Ng, Duncan Reid, Nirit Rotem-Lehrer & Mark Tremblay (2012) Evidence-based exercise prescription: raising the standard of delivery, International Musculoskeletal Medicine, 34:1, 21-36,
a) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/1753615411Y.0000000016
Articles/Content
1) Physical Therapy for Exercise
a) https://www.choosept.com/health-centers/exercise
2) Exercise Videos from Physical Therapists
a) https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/exercise-videos-physical-therapists
3) Stressed during the Holidays
a) https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/well/move/holiday-stress-exercise.html