The holidays are often synonymous with relaxation, indulgence, and spending time with loved ones. For most people, it's a chance to take a break from their usual daily routines. However, for many athletes, holidays present an opportunity to maintain or even step up their workouts. Read more below as we dig into which U.S. based holidays are the ones with the most Nix workouts.
New Year’s Eve marks the longest average holiday workout for Nix users. The average workout length was just over 3 hours at 186.7 minutes. This is approximately 41 minutes, or 28% longer than the average workout within the last 12 months. New Year’s Eve is particularly symbolic for many athletes. It represents a moment to close out the year with purpose and set the tone for the next. Training on this day is often a physical manifestation of the resolutions and goals they plan to chase in the coming year. For some, it’s about finishing the year strong, a final push to reflect their dedication over the past months. For others, it’s a way to stay ahead of the curve—an early start on their January goals while the rest of the world waits for the clock to strike midnight.
The unofficial start of the summer season begins with Memorial Day and ends with Labor Day. 63% of holiday workouts logged are for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or Labor Day. The warmer weather and longer days are ideal for outdoor workouts, specifically running and cycling. Sometimes, the motivation to ensure you’ve done your workout comes from knowing you can head to that backyard BBQ guilt-free afterwards. Additionally, the high temperatures in the summer, combined with when the tell tale signs of sweating are most pronounced, make for a perfect combination, and use case for the Nix Hydration Biosensor.
Halloween and Valentine’s Day may no longer have the full allure that they once did when you were a kid. However, Nix users don’t neglect workouts on those holidays either. On Valentine’s Day double the number of workouts are logged versus Halloween. However, the workouts on Valentine’s day average about 94 minutes while Halloween workouts are over 2 hours. Regardless of the length of workout, the chocolate and indulgent dinners are completely justifiable (and encouraged), especially when workouts have been logged earlier in the day.
Holidays are a time to relax and often athletes find themselves traveling or preparing to host friends and family members. It’s no surprise that we see more workouts on the eve of major holidays. New Year's Eve had more than double the number of workouts than New Year's Day. Similarly, Christmas 2023 had 31% less workouts than Christmas Day. Logging that workout can sometimes give you a personal “hall pass” to enjoy the holiday but for many it is a testament to an athlete’s mental and physical discipline.
Athletes rely on consistency to maintain their physical capabilities. During the holiday season, the abundance of rich foods and altered schedules can disrupt their routine. A quick workout, like those clocked on Thanksgiving, can help offset these changes, ensuring that they remain in peak condition and ready for upcoming competitions. Only 4.7% of holiday workouts occurred on Thanksgiving. These were some of the shortest average workouts at 76.5 minutes (Christmas Day 2024 clocked in at an average of only 68 minutes).
While the commitment to training during holidays is admirable, it's also essential for athletes to strike a balance. Rest and recovery are critical components of any training program, and holidays can provide a valuable opportunity to recharge, connect with family, and gain a mental edge.
The holidays highlight the unique dedication of all athletes who choose to train when others rest. Their commitment underscores the sacrifices required to achieve greatness, offering a glimpse into the discipline and resilience that define their journeys. Whether it's a quick run before opening gifts or a gym session before New Year’s Eve celebrations, these workouts illustrate how passion and purpose are weaved into new holiday traditions.