Staying in shape over holiday breaks is essential for college athletes–but your usual routine of going to the gym can get boring or become something you dread when this break is supposed to be a mini vacation from school. Instead, try these 5 holiday activities to keep you in shape over the holidays this year.

Backyard Football

It's a tradition as old as time: almost everyone watches football on Thanksgiving Day! Add backyard football to that tradition with friends and family and get a game going. It's sure to be a fun Thanksgiving activity that will also be some great cardio work. Plus, every athlete loves a friendly competition.

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Turkey Trots

For those that don't know, a turkey trot is a race or fun run for participants to participate in just before their Thanksgiving feast. Enter with your family or friends and get to running for another fun cardio workout with a festive flair.

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Snowball Fights

Who doesn't love a snowball fight? If you live in any state with snow this holiday season, get outside with some friends and family and start chucking snowballs at each other. It's an extremely fun way to stay in shape and it will tire you out for hours. Your arms will be burning from making and chucking the snowballs, and you will get some much-needed cardio running and dodging the incoming fire.

Building a Snowman

Building a snowman, like a snowball fight, is a classic tradition. Getting into the Christmas spirit with younger siblings by building a snowman will get the muscles working and is a great way to stay in shape at the same time.

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Ice Skating

After a few hours on the ice, you will feel like you just hit leg day in the gym while the truth is you just had some fun with family and friends! It's a festive activity that will be sure fun for everyone while keeping you in shape for when you get back from break.

While on holiday break, you should be enjoying yourself as the time off is well deserved–but that shouldn't keep you from staying in shape. Outside of your normal gym routine, switch things up and use these fun holiday activities to do so. That way, when it is time to get back to work at school, you'll feel refreshed and ready.

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* Originally published on November 23, 2022, by Scott Abramson