Stay Active Through the Holidays: Movement Tips for a Busy December

December is a time of celebration, connection and let’s be honest, a little bit of chaos. Schedules are packed, routines get tossed aside, and it’s easy to trade our usual movement habits for long dinners, road trips, and a lot more time on the couch.

At K-TOWN Physiotherapy, we know how easy it is to let movement fall off your list during the holidays. But even small stretches of activity can make a big difference in how you feel come January.

Whether you’re hosting family in Kingston, hitting the road, or just trying to keep up with the season, here are a few ways to stay mobile (and sane) through the holidays.

1. Turn “a little” into “enough”

You don’t need to stick to your usual workout schedule to stay active. Instead, aim for short bursts of movement throughout the day:

• A 10-minute walk between errands

• Light stretching while the kettle boils

• A few bodyweight squats or lunges before hopping in the shower

The key is to keep your body moving, even when your schedule doesn’t leave room for more.

2. Make it social

Walk through downtown Kingston to see the lights. A quick skate at Springer Market Square. Even a few laps around the rink while the kids play.

Movement doesn’t have to be solo or structured. Finding ways to build light activity into your holiday plans can help your body (and your mood) stay balanced.

3. Stretch before and after sitting

From long drives to holiday dinners, December brings a lot of sitting and that’s when stiffness, especially in the hips, lower back, and shoulders, can creep in. A few simple stretches before and after extended periods of sitting can prevent pain and keep your joints mobile.

If you’re unsure what stretches are right for your body, our team of physiotherapists can help.

4. Keep pain in check before it becomes a problem

If you’ve been managing a flare-up, recovering from an injury, or dealing with ongoing discomfort, don’t put off care until January. Even a short course of physiotherapy during the holidays can help you:

• Stay mobile and independent

• Reduce flare-ups caused by inactivity or stress

• Start the new year feeling better, not worse

5. Be kind to your body

The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence. That means letting go of all-or-nothing thinking when it comes to fitness or recovery. If you can’t do everything, just do something and your body will thank you for it.

Our four Kingston locations are open year-round, and we are proud to provide Canadian-made care that helps our community move better through every season.

Need help staying pain-free this season?

Whether you’re managing arthritis, recovering from surgery, or just feeling extra stiff after a week of social events, the team at K-TOWN Physiotherapy is here to support you.

With four locations across Kingston and a collaborative team of experts, we make it easy to get the care you need, before the new year rush begins.

Book your appointment now and move into 2026 feeling your best.

K-TOWN Physiotherapy – Canadian Made Care That Keeps You Moving.