Five Top Tips for Christmas Fitness. 

My Ultimate Guide To The Healthiest Christmas, Neil Thubron, XNRG Founder

With less than six weeks to go the countdown to Christmas is on and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and put fitness goals off until the New Year. 

But with 80% of people abandoning their resolutions by February, I would urge anyone not to rely on an all-or-nothing New Year’s resolution. 

Instead set small achievable goals like taking part in our XNRG Santa Virtual Challenge for Humanity Direct.

From December 1st – 24th run or walk as many miles as you can and by the time January rolls around, you’ll be in a much stronger physical and mental place to set new fitness goals, tackle even bigger challenges, and approach the new year with a greater sense of self-discipline. No need for radical changes — just a continuation of the healthy habits you’ve already established!

The Five Top Tips for Christmas Fitness. 

1. A Marathon Mindset is a Journey, Not a Sprint. 

Unlike a New Year’s resolution that often comes with high expectations and ends in disappointment (remember those gym memberships barely used by February?), an ultra marathon encourages consistent effort, gradual improvement, and a sense of accomplishment while gradually building strength and stamina.

This process is about progress, not perfection, which makes it far more sustainable and fulfilling than a resolution made in haste.

2. A Marathon Mindset is a Journey, Not a Sprint. 

One key component of achieving long-term fitness success is goal setting, and an ultra-marathon allows you to break down your bigger goal into smaller, digestible pieces. 

Instead of setting one vague and often unattainable resolution for the year focus on incremental goals that build up over time. For example:

• Week 1:  Set a goal of running or walking 10-15 miles per week or completing a couple of shorter runs each week.
• Week 2: Increase your weekly mileage by 5-10%
• Week 3: Challenge yourself to complete a longer run or increase your time on your favourite route. 
• Week 4: Push for your final goal and look at what you’ve achieved…how much further you’ve come than where you were when you started. 

With each small goal met you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment and momentum that propels you forward. By the time Christmas rolls around you’ll have learnt how to build up to your goal, what you’ve enjoyed and how far you can push yourself.  You’ll also have to set a bar to continue regardless of January 1st. 

3. Avoid the Post-Holiday Slump with a Pre-Christmas Challenge

For many, the holiday season is a time of indulgence and rest, which is perfectly fine in moderation. But without something to work toward, the inevitable post-holiday slump can leave you feeling lethargic, unmotivated, or even guilty. 

Participating in an ultra-marathon or endurance challenge in the run-up to Christmas gives you a tangible focus before the holiday chaos begins. You’re committing to an active routine that keeps you engaged throughout the season, even when there are distractions like holiday shopping, parties, and extra calories!

You’ll be able to carry your momentum into the new year with a fitness foundation already in place, and you won’t have to wait until the new year to “get serious” about your goals.

4. The XNRG Community Is A Powerful Support System

One of the best parts about taking part in our XNRG events, especially in aid of Humanity Direct, is the sense of camaraderie and support from the ultra community. And although we’re all really busy in the run-up to Christmas everyone finds time and the leaderboard gets really competitive!

5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection. 

The most important thing to remember when taking on a challenge like a virtual ultra is that it’s about progress, not perfection. Setting small, achievable goals throughout the holiday season allows you to celebrate incremental improvements, whether that’s a new personal best or simply completing your longest run yet whether that’s 1, 10 or 30 miles. 

There’s no need for drastic transformations or sudden, unrealistic expectations. When you embrace the journey with patience and consistency, the process becomes as rewarding as the outcome.

Most importantly….

As well as giving yourself the gift of a healthier Christmas by taking part in our XNRG Santa Virtual Challenge by taking part you’ll also be helping raise money for Humanity Direct. 

It costs £15 to enter with the money raised helping the HD team book more surgical and eye test clinics for children in Uganda.  Visit their Success Stories page to see how donations change children’s lives.

Our Santa Virtual Challenge is a great way to get through Christmas both physically and mentally. 

Combining small, achievable running or walking goals with fundraising will give you a motivating, and rewarding experience that lasts far beyond any fleeting New Year’s resolution. 

So join us on December 1st and let’s see what we can achieve this Christmas. Click here for all the details.