When the New Year’s ball drops, the average American is coming down from a six-week stretch of stress from the holidays, fatigue from travel and a lack of sleep, and sluggishness from excess sugar, alcohol, and seasonal indulgences. And for those who gained unwanted pounds throughout the year, studies show that annual weight gain doubles within this same seasonal timeframe.
Luckily, it’s possible to greet January with a very different — and healthier — tune. With the right structure and support, you can maintain the fun and celebration during the holidays while staying active and on track with your health goals.
How? Enroll in the Holiday Hustle program — starting December 2 in the Life Time app.
Designed by Life Time Dynamic Personal Trainers and registered dietitians, this 20-day complimentary, approachable program features three daily science-backed habits to keep you strong and energized: moving your body, staying hydrated, and prioritizing protein.
The program allows you to customize your workout approach and includes dietitian-approved versions of many of the season’s favorite recipes along with practical tips for handling holiday stress and travel with ease.
Why not wait until the New Year?
Fitness and fun do not need to be mutually exclusive. While it’s tempting to put health on the back burner during the holiday season and restart with a New Year’s resolution, that approach can often make it harder to regain momentum. Research shows that maintaining even a few core habits can have a profound impact on physical health, mental well-being, and overall resilience. By committing to just 20 days of focused movement and mindful choices, you’ll end the year strong and set a positive tone for the New Year.
What’s included in the Holiday Hustle program?
The 20-day Holiday Hustle offers participants an easy-to-follow plan designed to keep you consistent and energized during this season. This program includes:
2 Strength Training Workouts Per Week
The Holiday Hustle features two programmed, full-body strength training workouts per week accessible through the Life Time app. Every week in the app, you’ll choose two strength training workouts from a select library to add your training calendar on the days that work best for you.
Research shows that completing at least two strength training sessions per week helps improve or maintain muscle strength and endurance, yet many fail to meet this twice-weekly recommendation by the Center for Disease Control. Beyond its physical benefits, resistance training has been linked to significant benefits, including healthy aging, hormone balance, and brain health.
Flexible Options to Meet Your Daily Movement Goal
On non-strength training days, the program provides a variety of options to help you meet your daily movement goal. If you’re not able to visit a Life Time club, you can access additional self-guided workouts and on-demand classes through the app. If you prefer the motivation of a group setting, attending a group fitness class is another excellent way to complete your workout for the day.
For those concerned about fitting a fitness program into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this program is designed with flexibility in mind. You’re encouraged to aim for consistency, striving to follow the program 80 percent of the time while allowing yourself grace for the remaining 20 percent. The focus is on making progress — not achieving perfection — ensuring the program works with your schedule instead of causing stress.
Nutrition Tips and Seasonal Recipes
Participants of Holiday Hustle will also receive a comprehensive Get Started Guide featuring holiday recipes, healthy baking swaps, tips for balanced eating at gatherings, travel tips, and more. Kick off your day with high-protein shakes in festive flavors like Candy Cane, Ginger Snap, and Sugar Cookie. Explore shareable dishes like sweet potato mash, hearty entrées such as autumn turkey with cranberry sauce, indulgent desserts like nut butter buckeyes, and even holiday-inspired mocktails.
For those who wish to focus more intensively on nutrition, Life Time’s complimentary 14-day D.TOX program is a great complement to the Holiday Hustle. This optional program starting December 9, provides a structured reset with meal plans, recipes, and support for optimized results. In only 14 days, the average weight loss result is 5 to 7 pounds.
Complimentary Goal Setting Session with a Fitness Professional
Upon enrollment, you are invited to begin your program with a complimentary 50-minute Goal Setting Session (booked within the Life Time app). This 50-minute session is designed to kickstart your Holiday Hustle journey by understanding your fitness goals, exercise history, and health background. Your Dynamic Personal Trainer will assess your body composition, guide you through key movements to ensure proper form, and offer personalized modifications. You’ll leave with valuable insights, practical fitness and nutrition recommendations, and a clear plan to keep you motivated and on track throughout the program and beyond.
Weekly Motivation and Coaching Support
Throughout the program, you’ll receive educational emails to help you stay on track. These will include motivational tips, advice for managing holiday stress, and insights to help you prioritize your health. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you’re supported, inspired, and prepared for each step of the program.
If I’m interested in the Holiday Hustle program, how can I get started?
If you’re a Life Time member, the program is complimentary with your membership. You can enroll in the Life Time app.
Once you sign up, you’ll have access to the in-app program with workouts and daily habit tracking along with the downloadable Get Started Guide and motivation from our team of fitness professionals via email.
If you’re not yet a Life Time member, download the Life Time app — you’ll be able to register for the Holiday Hustle program (as well as access the rest of our suite of digital programs and offerings) after downloading. Note: Only club-access members are eligible for the complimentary Goal Setting Session.