How to Stay Motivated with Pilates Through the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time filled with family gatherings, travel, and plenty of indulgence — but it’s also when many people find their fitness routines slipping. Between office parties and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to let your Pilates practice take a back seat. However, staying consistent with your workouts during this busy time can help you manage stress, boost energy, and keep your body feeling strong through the new year.
At ChaiseFitness, we believe that your fitness routine should be something you look forward to — even during the holidays. Here’s how you can stay motivated and keep your Pilates goals on track this season.
1. Reframe Your Mindset Around Movement
The first step to staying motivated during the holidays is to shift your mindset. Instead of thinking of Pilates as something you have to do, think of it as something that helps you feel your best through the season’s chaos.
Pilates isn’t just a workout — it’s a form of self-care. Even a quick 20-minute session can help you relieve stress, reset your posture after long car rides, and counteract the effects of holiday feasting. When you treat your Pilates time as a gift to yourself rather than a chore, you’re more likely to stay consistent.
Tip: Try journaling about how you feel after each session. Noting the mental and physical benefits reinforces the positive impact Pilates has on your overall well-being.
2. Set Realistic, Flexible Goals
The holidays can disrupt your usual routine, but that doesn’t mean your progress has to stall. Adjust your goals to fit your schedule rather than trying to maintain your typical workout frequency or duration.
If you usually attend three or four classes a week, commit to at least one or two. If you’re traveling, explore ChaiseFitness On Demand so you can stream a class wherever you are — from your living room to your hotel room. The key is consistency over perfection.
Pro Tip: Schedule your Pilates sessions on your calendar like any other holiday commitment. Treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
3. Embrace Short, Effective Workouts
When time is limited, a full 60-minute class might feel impossible — and that’s okay. Even a quick, targeted workout can help you stay centered and strong.
ChaiseFitness offers express classes that focus on key areas like core strength, posture, and flexibility. A short, high-intensity session can boost your energy and keep your body engaged without taking too much time away from your holiday activities.
Try this:
10-minute arm sculptor with resistance bands before your morning coffee
15-minute core workout during lunch break
20-minute full-body stretch before bed
These mini-workouts can keep your body in motion and your motivation high.
4. Find a Workout Buddy
Accountability is one of the most powerful motivators — and the holidays are no exception. Partnering with a friend or family member for Pilates can make working out more fun and social.
Invite your loved ones to join you for a class at ChaiseFitness NYC or share a virtual session through the on-demand platform. Turning your workout into a shared experience helps keep everyone encouraged and connected, even during the busiest time of year.
Bonus: You’ll also be spreading the gift of movement and wellness to those around you.
5. Balance Indulgence with Intention
Let’s be real — the holidays are meant to be enjoyed. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in festive foods and drinks, but balance is key.
Pilates is a fantastic way to stay in tune with your body. The mind-body connection it cultivates helps you recognize when you’re full, when you need to rest, and when your body craves movement again. Instead of “working off” holiday meals, think of Pilates as a way to restore balance, improve digestion, and reduce tension.
Tip: After a big holiday dinner, opt for a gentle stretching session or a light mat workout the next morning to get your body moving again.
6. Reward Yourself for Staying Consistent
Positive reinforcement goes a long way in maintaining motivation. Reward yourself for showing up — even if it’s just for one class during a hectic week.
Treat yourself to a new workout outfit, book a relaxing massage, or simply take a mindful break after completing a class. Celebrating small wins reminds you that progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.
Idea: Set a simple holiday challenge — for example, complete five Pilates sessions before New Year’s Eve — and reward yourself once you hit your goal.
7. Visualize How You Want to Feel in the New Year
It’s easy to put off fitness goals until January, but maintaining your Pilates routine now means you’ll start the new year feeling strong and confident instead of sluggish and stressed.
Take a few moments to visualize how you want to feel when the holidays are over. Do you want to feel energized, balanced, and proud of your commitment? Keep that image in mind whenever motivation dips — it can help reignite your determination to stay on track.
At ChaiseFitness, our classes combine resistance training, Pilates, and ballet-inspired movements to challenge your body and refresh your mind — the perfect combination to stay motivated all season long.
8. Remember — Movement Is a Form of Joy
Finally, remember why you started your Pilates journey in the first place. Whether it’s the strength, the flexibility, or the mental clarity it brings, movement should be something that adds joy to your day.
During the holiday season, embrace your workouts as an opportunity to recharge. Each session is a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle, you can still prioritize your well-being.
Stay Consistent, Stay Centered, Stay Chaise Strong
The holidays are a time for connection, gratitude, and self-care — and keeping up with your Pilates practice can help you experience them all more fully.
Whether you join us in the studio or online through ChaiseFitness On Demand, our signature method keeps you inspired, energized, and aligned — no matter how busy the season gets.
This year, give yourself the gift of movement. You’ll thank yourself come January.
