Time is a precious thing. We measure it, we spend it, sometimes we lose it . . and we always try to find ways to save it, especially during the busy holiday season. When you think about it, time is the most valuable gift you can give another person. It’s far more valuable that a fleeting material possession and creates an enduring memory with the person you are gifting it to. 

This “giving time” sounds great in theory, but many of us may avoid it thinking something likely has to give in the daily grind to come up with the spare time. I know I don’t want it to be my run or workout, that’s what keeps me sane when things get stressful. The good news is that “working out” doesn’t actually need to be done in a gym, physical activity can be found or added to most holiday festivities.   So, today, I’m partnering with adidas and taking the time (haha) to share with you 10 Ways to “Gift” Time Without Giving Up Holiday Workouts

Pin this Holiday Hack for later! 

10 Ways to “Gift” Time Without Giving Up Holiday Workouts

String Lights: Decorate for the entire community to enjoy by festooning a random roadside tree with solar lights and weather-proof ornaments. Keep warm in winter outdoor wear from adidas. Stringing Christmas lights can burn up to 90 calories per hour and engages and strengthens muscles needed to stabilize the core. 

Running Dates: Schedule a holiday run with a friend you don’t see, it’s so much better for your physically and socially than just sending a holiday card in the mail. Enjoy the brisk, winter air together and catch up on all the happenings of the past year. As a fun treat, I always like to bring along some warm running socks from adidas to give as a small memento of the outing. 

Christmas Tree Hunting: Get your holiday tree the old-fashioned way by chopping it down (on your own property or an approved location). Not only is this a great cardio workout that works up to 600 calories per hour and engaging the entire body (especially the core), it’s an epic family outing the kids will never forget.

Dog Walking: Offer to walk (or run) the dogs of an older person, new mother, or other person finding themselves housebound. You get exercise, the dog gets exercise and the beneficiary gets much-needed help and some visit time with you upon the return. Take along a family member to magnify the fun!

Holiday Movie Night: Host a holiday movie and workout night, invite friends and people you’d like to know better. Every time an actor says a certain word, everyone has to do a corresponding exercise. For example, “Santa” means sit-ups, “Rudolph” means run in place, “Presents” means push-ups and “Happy” means headstands. There will be plenty of sweating and silliness.

Snow Shoveling: Give near-by family and neighbors “coupons” they can cash in for a free walkway snow shovel in exchange for a cup of hot coffee afterward. Show shoveling burns about 450 calories per hour and challenges nearly every muscle in the body! Make sure you are bundled up with gloves and a cozy hat from adidas.

Shoe Box Boogie: Gather up a group to pack empty shoe boxes with school supplies, small toys, personal grooming items, candy and snacks and underprivileged child or homeless person like might to receive during the holidays. To make active fun of the service project, order the group and supplies assembly-line style and then after each box makes it down the line, a “station” has to step forward and share a dance move that then entire group will practice. At the end of all the box packing, the dance moves will be all strung together for a truly memorable dance party (video this, haha). Dancing burns plenty of calories, kicks up heart rate and challenges agility! 

Snow Time: If it’s cold, bundle up and build a snow man with the kids! Also, practice throwing snowballs – you’d be surprised at how heavy a compacted sphere of snow can be! You can even pile snow in a big painter’s bucket and practice squats and farmer carries. 

Family Intramurals: Spend quality time with your family outdoors playing along with the sports THEY love, like touch football, lacrosse, soccer, even just a good old-school game of hide and seek. Now is the perfect time toss out old worn-out gear and lace up the family with some new sports-specific footwear, like cleats or running shoes from adidas.

Furry Friends: Spend time with your furry friends doing the active things they love – playing fetch, running together, or hitting the water (if it’s warm enough). 

Check out all the holiday specials at adidas, you are sure to find what you need to gear yourself up for a busy Season of Giving (I have my eye on a snazzy track suit ) and also lots of great loot to give as holiday gifts (along with your time)!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by adidas, however all opinions, content and enthusiasm remain my own.

Do you have any great ideas for donating and sharing your “time” during this Season of Giving – all while staying active?  Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer