Balancing Fitness and Food: How to Stay Active in Columbia, Maryland During the Holiday Season

For more details on events and hours, explore CA’s full schedule here, and start planning your holiday season with a balance of feasting and fitness.

As the holiday season kicks off, the Columbia Association makes it easy to stay active while enjoying festive gatherings in Columbia, Maryland. With diverse activities like ice skating, indoor swimming, golf, and fitness classes, CA offers residents and visitors ways to maintain wellness through the season. Whether it’s family skate sessions, themed fitness events, or scenic golf rounds, CA’s facilities provide both engaging and accessible ways to stay moving and have fun through Thanksgiving, December celebrations, and the winter months.

Top Fitness Facilities and Activities for Holiday Wellness

The CA provides unique opportunities for those looking to maintain or kickstart a fitness journey in the colder months. Here’s how you can integrate movement while enjoying seasonal festivities:

Ice Skating at Columbia Ice Rink: CA’s Ice Rink offers open skate hours for all ages. Family outings or solo sessions are a great way to stay active and enjoy the holidays. For updated hours and details, see their calendar.

Indoor Pools: CA’s indoor pools offer lap swim times, making it easy to incorporate swimming into your winter routine. Swimming is a low-impact workout that helps build endurance and muscle strength, which are beneficial during months when outdoor options may be limited.

Golf Courses: Hobbit’s Glen and Fairway Hills Golf Clubs remain open, weather permitting, for both CA members and guests. Playing a round of golf is not only social but also a great way to enjoy brisk November and December days.

CA’s Fitness Clubs: Columbia residents can enjoy a variety of fitness classes and personal training sessions at CA’s fitness clubs, offering workouts suited to every interest, from strength training to yoga.

Integrating Fitness into Holiday Gatherings

Encourage family and friends to stay active together this season with holiday-themed fitness gatherings. Here are a few ways to incorporate movement into your festivities:

Family Ice Skating: Start a new tradition with family skate time. It’s a great way to connect and stay active without feeling like a workout.

Local Turkey Trot: If you’re planning a Thanksgiving gathering, consider a morning “turkey trot” with family or friends. A brisk walk or jog around the scenic CA pathways can be the perfect way to kick off your feast.

 

CA’s Special Fitness Events and Classes

Start your Thanksgiving off right with CA’s "Fitness Before Feasting" event, an energizing workout to balance out holiday indulgence. For those looking to keep fitness on track all season, CA also offers options to join indoor tennis and pickleball leagues, or hit the ice with hockey programs, making it easy to stay committed to your fitness goals even through the winter months.

Tips for Staying Fit During the Holiday Season

The holidays often mean more gatherings, meals, and sweets, but maintaining a balanced approach to fitness is doable with CA’s amenities and resources. Start with these tips:

Plan Ahead: Incorporate workouts into your weekly routine with CA’s flexible fitness options. Join a fitness class at one of CA’s clubs or sign up for a swim session. Even a simple 20-minute walk on CA pathways can keep you energized and in good spirits.

Embrace Holiday Events as Fitness Opportunities: Festive gatherings like family skate outings or golf days offer fitness without the “workout” feel. Remember that small, consistent movement counts toward your wellness goals.

Become a Columbia Association Member to Achieve Winter Wellness

For those seeking a well-rounded approach to fitness and social engagement, CA membership is an ideal option. From indoor pools and fitness clubs to year-round community events, CA offers something for everyone. Becoming a member opens up access to premium facilities, making it easy to integrate fitness into everyday life. Seasonal classes and promotions are just some of the perks members can look forward to.

For more details on events and hours, explore CA’s full schedule here, and start planning your holiday season with a balance of feasting and fitness.