Tis the Season: Why Skipping Workouts Backfires (and What to Do Instead)

The holidays are here—and so is the perfect storm of increased work stress, social obligations, family logistics, and disrupted routines. This is the time of year when many people start skipping their workouts, saying, “I’m too overwhelmed… I’ll get back on track in January.”

But here’s the truth: skipping the gym when stress is high usually makes everything worse.

Your Stress Cup: Why You Feel So Full

Imagine a cup.
This cup represents your total capacity to handle stress.

Now pour into it:

• Work deadlines

• Family expectations

• Holiday planning

• Emotional load

• Even your workouts (yes—exercise is a form of eustress, a positive stress that trains you to be resilient)

There’s only so much your cup can hold before it overflows.

And when it does?
Your knee-jerk response is often:

“I’ll just skip my workout.”

But removing movement—one of the things that actually empties the cup—creates more overwhelm.

What to Do Instead of Skipping the Gym

Instead of eliminating your workout altogether, try these small, doable shifts:

1. Prioritize Sleep

• Go to bed 15–30 minutes earlier

• Protect your wind-down routine

• Give your nervous system a chance to reset

2. Move Daily (Even a Little)

Movement is medicine—especially now. Try:

• A 10–15 minute walk

• One set of five movements (hello, 5-5-5 Challenge!)

• A quick strength snack: squats, push-ups, rows, done

It’s counterintuitive, but:
Moving your body creates more energy than it takes.

3. Lower the Bar Without Ditching the Routine

If your full workout feels like too much:

• Do the warm-up only

• Do half the workout

• Set a timer for 10 minutes and move until it dings

“A little” keeps the habit alive. “Nothing” resets you back to zero.

When in Doubt: Get Support

Holiday overwhelm is normal—but navigating it successfully is a learned skill.

Yes, you could download a workout plan…
But a coach helps you:

• Understand why you’re stuck

• Adjust your training when stress is high

• Build habits that hold during every season of life

• Stay accountable when you want to bail

This is our bread and butter. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through December.