5 simple workouts to perform at home during Xmas 

I know it’s hard to stay in shape during the festive periods, so here’s a quick, very useful guide with simple format to implement. No need to feel guilty, and no need to stop enjoying your time off, here’s my 5 simple workout guide:

- Simple: No or minimal equipment required.

- Quick: 15–20 minutes max.

- Effective: Full-body workout with movements and methods that target strength, cardio, and mobility.

Workout 1: 12-Minute EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute)

Perfect for: Busy days when time is tight.

- Minute 1: 12 Air Squats

- Minute 2: 12 Push-Ups (modify to knees if needed)

- Minute 3: 12 V-ups

- Repeat for 4 rounds (12 minutes).

Why it works: EMOM keeps intensity high but manageable. It also allow you to do everything at your own pace and adjust intensity where needed. For example, instead of 12 reps per minute perform 10, or 8. Aim is to perform everything in 40s so that you have 20s to rest until your next minute.

Workout 2: The "Holiday Hustle" Circuit (20 Minutes)

Perfect for: A quick sweat that works the whole body.

30s on 30s off x5

- Reverse lunges

- Burpees

- Butterfly sit-ups

- Mountain climber

Repeat 5 rounds.

Why it works: Fun yet effective, this give you a chance to gamify your training by keeping up the tabs with how many reps you do round after round. But also allows you to really push yourself on each due to the work to rest ration and movement selection.

Workout 3: "The Gift Unwrap" AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible, with a twist)

Perfect for: Having a bit of fun with you training and tag along someone into it :)

AMRAP 20 minutes

- 10 Lunges (5 per leg, can be reverse or forward lunges)

- 10 Single leg RDL

- 10 Push ups (can be kneeling if needed)

Every 3 min perform 12 reps of one of your favourite exercise. You can use website like this one to make it even more fun and interesting, be as creative as you want with the movement.

Workout 4: “Silent Night” Yoga Flow (10 Minutes)

Perfect for: Recovery or winding down after a big day.

- 1 Minute: Child’s Pose

- 1 Minute: Cat-Cow Stretches

- 2 Minutes: Downward Dog (alternate bending each knee for extra hamstring stretch)

- 2 Minutes: Low Lunge Stretch (1 minute per leg)

- 2 Minutes: Seated Forward Fold

Why it works: Relieves tension and promotes mobility.

Workout 5: “The Festive Finisher” Ladder (20 Minutes)

Perfect for: A fun challenge to end the day.

Start with 1 rep of each movement, then add 1 rep every round (1, 2, 3… up to 10 or beyond):

- Burpees

- Push-Ups

- Air Squats

- Pull ups (if available)

Why it works: Builds intensity as you go, allowing you to really challenge yourself on those later rounds.

Author - KARIM Djidel

I’am a coach and athlete, I offer 1-1 personal training services in Hackney Wick but also online training globally. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more tips on fitness and/or how to get started!