10 Outdoor Activities to Get Fit After Christmas

The holiday season is over, and if your festive feasting has left you feeling a little sluggish, you’re not alone. Luckily, getting back in shape doesn’t have to be boring! We’ve put together 10 exciting outdoor activities to get fit after Christmas that will help you burn calories, boost energy and enjoy the fresh air. These aren’t just any workouts, each activity challenges your body and mind while letting you experience the great outdoors. Check out our top picks and start your post-holiday fitness journey today!

Water Sports

Surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding… no matter which water sport you choose, you can be sure it will burn plenty of calories, as these are some of the most energy-demanding activities out there. Battling the waves, even small ones, requires strength and endurance, while staying balanced on your board demands focus and coordination. If you’re surfing in cold water, you’ll burn even more calories just to keep warm. But remember: even though water sports are intense workouts, resist the temptation to reach for leftover holiday treats immediately afterward—otherwise, all that effort could go to waste.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Whatever discipline you choose on the mountain, you’re guaranteed to expend a lot of energy. Gliding down snowy slopes is not only a thrilling experience, but also a highly physical activity that helps burn calories and build lower-body strength. Whether skiing or snowboarding, you must stay alert and focused, as every movement counts, on-piste or off-piste. This winter sport will have your thighs burning in no time and will likely leave you ravenous after a full day on the mountain. Stay strong though, and try to avoid the traditional evening fondue and wine if you want to get the full fitness benefits.

Climbing

Whichever type of climbing you prefer (cliff climbing or bouldering), and wherever you choose to do it, this activity is intense and offers a great full-body workout. Climbing also provides important mental benefits, as the essence of the sport lies in analyzing routes, planning each move and finding solutions in challenging situations. All of this significantly boosts self-confidence while helping to tone and strengthen the muscles in your hands, arms and legs.

Downhill bike

Downhill mountain biking is all about navigating a steep downhill track, often in the mountains or forests. Riders must show commitment, technical skill and above all, control and precision when tackling rough slopes in wooded areas or on challenging trails. In addition to routes filled with obstacles such as roots, bumps and holes, there are often sharp turns to negotiate and at times, small jumps to perform.

Freerunning

Put your body to the test with this urban art of displacement. Freerunning is a unique discipline that was popularised by the Yamakasi and has continued to grow in popularity over the past decade. This modern sport involves jumping, vaulting, and overcoming various obstacles, often performing stunts in unusual urban spaces. Freerunning/Parkour transforms inner-city landscapes into an open-air gym accessible to all, while also being a discipline focused on the elegance, creativity, and fluidity of movement.

Scuba Diving

We all know swimming is an excellent sport for staying fit and healthy. So, let’s add a bottle of oxygen on your back and send you on an adventure that benefits both your body and mind as you go scuba diving. Dive down and discover the fascinating marine fauna and flora thriving beneath the surface, while enjoying the unique sensation of staying underwater for extended periods of time.

Mountain Trail Running

If you’re already keen on running and want to take it to the next level, try the Mountain Trail Experience. An activity that lets you improve your race technique while training among some of the most beautiful summits. Running or jogging is a great way to tone up and get fit, and when it’s paired with breathtaking views, there’s no chance you’ll get bored.

Canyoning

Canyoning is an outdoor sport gone wild, bringing together several activities into one thrilling experience. It combines caving, hiking and climbing, while also incorporating white-water elements such as cliff jumping, swimming in strong currents and sliding down natural rock slides. In short, it’s hard to imagine a more well-rounded outdoor sport. Canyoning will delight adventure lovers, and you won’t even notice how much energy you’re expending because you’ll be having too much fun.

Sandboarding

Take a snowboard or surfboard, replace snow or water with sand, and you’ve got sandboarding. The unusual discipline of sandboarding involves riding down large sand dunes while standing, and trying to stay balanced, on a board. Sand tends to be compact and surprisingly slippery, which makes controlling your descent more challenging than on snow. Get the camera ready, as a few less-than-graceful falls are almost guaranteed!

Mountainboarding

Take the fan-favourite skateboarding off the beaten track and onto forest paths or natural trails. Equipped with four large wheels fitted with tires and mounted on sturdy axles, a mountainboard can be used almost anywhere. Whether on tarmac, dirt, or grass, this downhill machine lets you ride freely while enjoying the surroundings and strengthening your leg and core muscles.

The holidays may be over, but it’s the perfect time to shake off those festive indulgences and get moving! These outdoor activities offer a fun and exciting way to burn calories, boost energy and start the new year fit and healthy. Whether you’re seeking adventure, challenge, or just some fresh air, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your gear, get outside and make this post-holiday season the start of your best fitness journey yet!