Burn Extra Calories this Holiday Season

November 25, 2022

A jagged dark mass curves beneath a bright, white background.

We can all be realistic about the fact that we consume more calories during the Holidays. No matter how much we try to overcome all the temptation, it is nearly impossible. For me, it is impossible!

A realistic goal through the holidays is to maintain your weight. Consuming extra calories means you need to burn more calories. Here are some tips on ways to increase your calorie burn this season.

Don’t cancel your workout! You must make your workouts a priority. This time of year can be very stressful and busy. But you must find a way to prioritize your workouts and schedule everything else around that. You should be scheduling at least three 45-minute workouts per week.

  1. Move for 8 minutes every couple of hours. This is a hard habit to get into but give it an honest try. Set a reminder on your phone if you need to. Here are some ideas of different bodyweight movements you can do. Just be sure to move your whole body and exert yourself. If you do these movements for 8 minutes at a time, just four times a day, you can burn an additional 500-600 calories per week.
  2. March in place or do high knee marches
  3. Bodyweight squats
  4. Air boxing
  5. Planks with punches
  6. Planks with knee tucks
  7. Stair climbs
  8. Lateral shuffles
  9. Do a 20-minute walk at least five evenings a week. Everyone has 20 minutes in the evening they can spare. It is very possible that you can learn to love your cold winter walks in the evenings too! But walking for 20 minutes, 5 days a week can burn an additional 450- 550 calories per week.
  10. Combining the three suggestions above should result in 1300- 1700 calories burned per week! Along with increasing your calorie burn, be mindful of making healthier choices between holiday meals. Knowing you have days you will indulge on holiday goodies should motivate you to stay in control and eat lighter between those days.
  11. Being surrounded by all the temptation doesn’t mean you should just give up on the exercise and go all in on the junk! You got this! If you need help avoiding weight gain this Holiday season, Axio Fitness trainers and dietitians can help!

Share Post

Our Recent Blogs

February 16, 2026
Most people think of physical therapy as something that happens after the surgeon stitches you up. However, engaging in "Pre-habilitation" —targeted personal training before your procedure—is one of the best investments you can make for your recovery. Think of it as preparing for a marathon. You wouldn't run 26 miles without training; similarly, surgery is a major stressor on the body. Working with a trainer beforehand helps build a "functional reserve." By strengthening the muscles surrounding the surgical site and improving cardiovascular health, you give your body a head start. The Benefits of Pre-Hab Faster Recovery: Patients with higher baseline strength often hit mobility milestones weeks earlier than those who don't train. Reduced Complications: Improved circulation and heart health lower the risk of post-op issues like blood clots or respiratory infections. Mental Readiness: Training builds the discipline and confidence you’ll need during the challenging post-op rehab phase. Entering the operating room at your strongest doesn't just make the surgeon's job easier—it ensures you get back to the life you love much faster.  If you need “Pre-habilitation”, Axio Fitness would love to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can help prepare for an upcoming surgery.
February 3, 2026
We’ve all been there: Monday morning starts with a burst of motivation, but by Thursday, life gets in the way. Suddenly, your fitness goals are pushed to “next week.” If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of starting and stopping, you aren’t lacking willpower—you’re likely lacking accountability. At Axio Fitness, we believe that the greatest value of a personal trainer isn’t just the workout plan; it’s the consistency they bring to your life. Here is why a trainer is a game-changer for your goals: Appointment-Based Success: You are far less likely to skip a workout when someone is waiting for you. That scheduled time becomes a non-negotiable part of your day. Expert Guidance: On days when your energy is low, your trainer adjusts the intensity so you still make progress without burning out. Mental Support: We help you navigate the "plateaus" where most people usually quit. Consistency is what transforms a temporary resolution into a lifelong habit. Let us help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
January 26, 2026
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released in early 2026, have reintroduced a classic but controversial visual: the food pyramid. This time, however, it’s inverted, placing a massive emphasis on "real food" and sparking a heated debate among registered dietitians. The Pros: A Return to Real Food Many dietitians celebrate the pyramid’s aggressive stance against ultra-processed foods and added sugars. Emphasis on Satiety: By prioritizing high-quality protein (now recommended at 1.2 to 1.6 kg of body weight) and healthy fats, the guidelines may help people feel fuller and reduce mindless snacking. Gut Health: The new focus on fermented foods and whole produce is a win for the microbiome. The Cons: Science vs. Visuals The primary concern for experts is the "flipped" visual. Confusing Hierarchy: Placing meat, full-fat dairy, and butter at the top—the widest part—suggests they should be the bulk of the diet. Dietitians warn this could lead to excessive saturated fat intake, contradicting the written goal of keeping it under 10% of daily calories. Fiber Famine: Whole grains and legumes have been moved to the narrow bottom, which experts fear will worsen America’s existing fiber deficiency.  The Verdict: While the "eat real food" mantra is a positive step, dietitians advise using the pyramid as a starting point, not a strict rulebook.
January 20, 2026
When the temperature drops, the instinct is often to curl up on the couch. However, stepping out into the crisp, winter air offers unique health benefits that you simply can’t get during a summer stroll. 1. A Natural Mood Booster Winter often brings shorter days and less sunlight, which can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Exposure to natural daylight—even on cloudy days—helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone. 2. Enhanced Calorie Burn Your body works harder to maintain its core temperature in the cold. This process, known as thermogenesis , can slightly increase your metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories than you would walking in a climate-controlled gym. 3. Sharper Mental Clarity The biting cold acts like a natural wake-up call. It stimulates the nervous system, increases oxygen flow to the brain, and provides a "reset" for mental fatigue. There’s something uniquely meditative about the quiet, muffled sounds of a snowy landscape.  Don’t let the frost keep you inside. Bundle up in layers, grab a warm hat, and embrace the invigorating chill—your body and mind will thank you.
More Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.