Finish Strong: How to Maintain Strength & Movement During the Holiday Rush in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
The holiday season in Whitefish Bay is full of energy—family gatherings, neighborhood events, last-minute shopping, snow-covered sidewalks, and a to-do list that never seems to end. While it’s a joyful time, it often becomes the season when healthy routines slip, aches and pains flare up, and stress takes over.
But here’s the good news: you can stay strong, mobile, and energized through the holidays with the right approach.
At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we believe that finishing the year strong isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most for your body.
Here’s how to maintain strength and movement all season long:
🎄 1. Keep Your Strength Routine Simple (and Short!)
You don’t need 60 minutes to make progress.
During busy weeks, aim for 10–20 minute micro-workouts, such as:
Bodyweight squats, lunges, and push-ups
Planks or core holds
These short sessions maintain muscle, boost metabolism, and help prevent holiday stiffness. Consistency beats intensity during this time of year.
❄️ 2. Build Movement Into Everyday Activities
Use the holiday hustle to your advantage:
Park a little farther during errands.
Take the stairs when parking at Bayshore.
Walk the neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights.
Do gentle mobility work before gift wrapping or baking marathons.
Every bit counts—and adds up.
🎁 3. Protect Your Back While Lifting, Reaching & Wrapping
The holiday season is prime time for back tweaks and shoulder strains.
To stay pain-free:
Use your legs—not your back—when lifting heavy gifts or decorations.
Keep items close to your body rather than reaching out and away.
Take breaks when wrapping presents (your neck and low back will thank you).
Warm up before shoveling with 5 minutes of mobility.
Your spine will stay happier, safer, and stronger.
🍽️ 4. Balance Your Energy, Not Your Calories
Food is a big part of the holidays—enjoy it!
Just remember:
Pair large meals with a short walk to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
Stay hydrated in the cold weather (it helps muscles and joints move better).
Prioritize protein when possible to help maintain strength.
Movement + mindful eating = feeling your best.
🧣 5. Stay Ahead of Holiday Stress
Stress adds tension, and tension adds pain.
Quick resets that work:
Light stretching between tasks
A short walk outside for fresh Wisconsin winter air
Small moments of calm help your body recover and stay resilient.
🏋️♂️ 6. Don’t Wait for January—Your Body Needs You Now
Most people write off December and plan to “start fresh next year.”
But staying active this month helps you:
Reduce pain
Maintain strength
Boost energy
Avoid injury
Feel more in control during a stressful season
You deserve to finish the year feeling great—not depleted.
💛 Let Living Well PT & Performance Help You Finish Strong
Whether you’re dealing with:
Stiffness
Lingering aches
A recent flare-up
Holiday-related lifting/shoveling strains
Or you simply want to keep moving well…
We’re here to help you stay strong, mobile, and pain-free through the busiest month of the year.
👉 Ready to finish 2025 strong?
Schedule your next visit with our team today and step into the new year feeling your best.
Let’s keep you moving well, feeling well, and living well—this season and every season.
