Having trouble prioritizing exercise while you’re busy decking the halls and ringing in the new year? It’s tough, but definitely worth it—for your body, mind, and spirit! Try these ideas for simple (and fun) ways to keep your muscles moving and your heart pumping throughout this holiday season.
1. Join a Holiday Fun Run
Grab family, friends, neighbors or co-workers and sign up for a holiday fun run. Whether you run or walk, these festive runs help get everyone moving, brighten your season, and provide an opportunity for healthy connections that carry over into the new year. A few local fun runs include:
Jingle Jog
Saturday, Dec. 10
Get ready for the 13th Annual Jingle Jog 5K and Kids’ Reindeer Romp, sponsored by the Fountain Creek YMCA. Dogs and strollers are welcome at this fun and festive course set up at Fountain-Fort Carson High School. Watch for Santa on-site to cheer everyone on to the finish!
Rescue Run
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
Start the new year off on the right foot at the 45th Annual Rescue Run 5K or 10K held at Norris Penrose Event Center / Bear Creek East trails. With the motto of “Rain, Snow or 20 Below,” this long-running race benefits El Paso County Search and Rescue.
2. Level Up
Looking for a more consistent way to train and measure your running progress this season? Check out the Nielson Challenge hosted by local running group Pikes Peak Road Runners. This monthly 2-mile race takes place in north Monument Valley Park and allows runners to measure against their own time and see results based on their training. Check out the schedule and register online for upcoming races on Dec. 3, Jan. 7 and Feb. 4.
3. Drop in for the Day
If you don’t already have a gym membership, many local fitness studios and larger gyms across the city offer visitor passes or multiday trial memberships as well as drop-in classes. Lifetime Fitness has a one-day membership for $40. VASA offers a free three-day trial pass. 24 Hour Fitness provides a free three-day trial pass. Plan ahead by doing a bit of Internet research and then take advantage of the chance to work out, de-stress and enjoy pro fitness instructors and facilities. Look for the amenities that appeal to you most, such as group classes for cycling, pilates, yoga, or indoor pools, pickle ball courts, saunas and more. You might just decide to make it a regular thing in the new year.
4. Opt Outside
In Olympic City USA, the outdoor fitness options are endless. Local trails and open spaces offer a year round playground for hiking, biking, and breathing in the crisp winter air. Whether you opt for a leisurely stroll through Garden of the Gods, tackle the infamous Manitou Incline or visit one of the many parks, there is an outdoor adventure waiting for you.
Have kids or visitors who need a little less strenuous adventure? You can still opt outside close to home. Take the family on a neighborhood caroling stroll. Invite your neighbors for an ugly sweater walk. Make any playground you visit into an obstacle course. Or plan a night photo scavenger hunt where you search and take photos of iconic holiday items: a Grinch, angel, Santa, inflatables, white lights, colored lights, tallest tree, stocking, candy cane or more.
5. Weight for It
Weight training can be tough to keep up over the busy holiday season. So try squeezing in some reps during down times. Is your family slow to get out the door to the next event? Are you watching a favorite sporting event on TV? Keep some small barbells or resistance bands handy and make the most of the time you have. Even short sessions scattered throughout the week will help keep your fitness level up.
6. Skate Right Through
What better way to embrace winter and get the blood pumping than ice skating? Colorado Springs has a variety of options to suit your location and skill level. Find one or lace up for a session at each.
Skate in the Park
This outdoor rink in downtown’s Acacia Park is festive day or night. Check the online schedule for session times and special events including a chance to skate with the U.S. Figure skating team, the Colorado College or Air Force Hockey Teams. Admission is $10 and includes skates.
Broadmoor World Arena
Public skate sessions take place in the Ice Hall on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays, with pick-up hockey games also on Saturdays throughout December. Public skate is $5 admission and $3 skate rental. Pick-up hockey game admission is $8. Reservations are available online.
Colorado College Ed Robson Arena
Check out the beautiful new arena and enjoy special public skate sessions throughout the holidays. Don’t miss the Tacky Sweater Holiday Skate on Dec. 22, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The skate session costs $10 for adult, $5 for kids and $5 for skate rental. Wear a tacky sweater for free skate rental!
Read More
Hot Springs and a Healing Getaway in Pagosa Springs
