12 Days of Fitness
Get physical this festive season, with 12 mum-friendly activities from the good folk at Fernwood Fitness Carindale!
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
Christmas is a jolly time, and although there are events to attend and delights to indulge in, it’s still important to keep fit during the festive season.
Exercise is a great way to release that end of year stress, spend time with your nearest and dearest, and enjoy those guilty pleasures without too much guilt!
So, what to do?
Well, some mums like to walk, while others like to work out, but variety is the spice of life, and if you’re looking for a few different ways to get physical over the festive season, then read on.
The fitness gurus at Fernwood Carindale in Queensland have come up with 12 easy ways to get moving with a kid (or tribe) in tow; and as a women’s-only gym, Fernwood Carindale’s tips are tailor-made for all you mamas.
You can challenge yourself to do one new activity each day for 12 days of fitness, or get more wrapped up in things, with lots of repeats.
And however you go about it, we hope you have a very merry fit-mas!
1. Go on a pram-friendly power walk
Taking the pram for a spin is always great, but you can turn your daily stroll into a mini workout by adding intervals, gentle hills, or stopping for stretches while your little one enjoys the ride.
2. Take a lap around the Christmas lights
If your suburb is looking sparkly, head out at dusk for a walk around the neighbourhood, looking at festive light displays.
You’ll get some extra steps in while your child makes magical memories; and if your neighbourhood is a bit dull, you can always commute to a Christmassy suburb and do your walk there.
3. Complete a Christmas shopping step challenge
‘Tis the season for gift shopping and grocery stocking, and you can easily turn this spending spree into a fitness activity by taking the stairs, parking further away, or doing a full lap before entering different stores.
4. Treat yourself to a mum-friendly class at Fernwood Fitness
You can do a free trial before committing to a membership (aka the gift that keeps on giving), and Fernwood Fitness Carindale offers group fitness, strength training, yoga, reformer pilates, FIIT30 and more – plus an on-site crèche!
Their childcare service is super affordable (the most you’ll pay is $4 per session for one child, $7 for two, or $9 for three).
And each childcare booking allows for a 90-minute session, so you can take a class, train on the gym floor, or unwind in the wellness and recovery area – safe in the knowledge that your little angel is being safely cared for by the dedicated childcare team.
You can also do online classes, using their app, if you’re struggling to get out of the house!
5. Create a festive home circuit (no equipment needed)
If it’s not a gym day, you can still get physical by creating a simple 10-minute circuit, using movements like squats, wall push-ups, hip bridges and gentle core activation.
Put on some carols for that festive vibe, and rotate through the exercises with your child playing nearby or mimicking Mummy.
6. Do some yoga and stretch time with your little one
The end of the year is crazy busy, so lay out a couple of mats and follow a short, kid-friendly flow to decompress as a duo.
For example, a simple flow of Cat to Down Dog will provide an energy boost and muscle stretch, and you can learn more from an in-club or online yoga instructor.
7. Complete a playground strength circuit
Instead of standing on the sidelines scrolling, or feebly pushing the swing, now’s a great time to build your strength!
So, work your way around the playground, using benches and rails for step-ups, incline push-ups and dips, while your kiddo is climbing and sliding.
8. Set up a backyard, or park, obstacle course
Use chalk, cones, toys and imagination to create a fun course for you and your little one to navigate.
This activity combines cardio and play, and you can make things festive by adding tinsel, Santa hats and other trimmings!
9. Enjoy a Mummy & Me dance break
Dancing is a feel-good activity that gets the mind and muscles moving, so put on some upbeat festive music and dance with your child for five to 10 minutes straight.
A Christmas disco will dial down any big emotions your little one has, boost your energy, and give you both a giggle; and if your baby can’t walk yet, you can still help them to dance!
10. Dive into a water play workout
Whether you’re at a pool party, planning a beach Christmas, or just want to get wet, it’s fun to walk through shallow water, make a splash, and play gentle chase games with your little one.
This water play is low impact and super refreshing – just make sure your baby or child is really well protected from the sun.
11. Play Nature Bingo on a walk
You can print off a Nature Bingo sheet or easily create one of your own.
Just write down a list of things to look for in your local green space or national park, then set out to find them.
You’ll get a good walk in while your child stays entertained; and you can weave festive elements into your Nature Bingo list, like a pine tree, red flower, golden leaf and Christmas beetle (if you're lucky!).
12. Enjoy some wellness and recovery time
It’s good to know that movement also means restoring your energy – which is really important during the frenetic festive season.
So, have a gentle stretch followed by a nice bath, or head to Fernwood Carindale to unwind in their infrared sauna, massage chairs and quiet space.
And with that, we wish you a fun and healthy festive season, and a wonderful new year!
If you are looking to get fit in 2026, Fernwood Carindale can definitely help.
Whether you’re pregnant, post-partum, starting work, or flexing for some other life stage, their supportive all-women’s environment will help you feel fit, fab and strong.
And if you join in December 2025, Fernwood Carindale will give you the first four weeks FREE.
So, hooray to that!
