The holidays may not be the most convenient time to decide to run your first ever marathon, but that doesn’t mean they have to be a total wash as far as fitness goes. We’ve teamed up with Greatist to brainstorm ways you can get some good exercise in during this chaotic season. 

1. On the road
Travel home to see family this season takes up precious time in your schedule that would normally go to workouts. But Elizabeth Jarrard, our nutrition expert from yesterday, suggests making the most of long drives.

“Do as many steps as you can. Even if you can’t in get full workout, get out and take some steps around the parking lot when you pull over at a rest stop, “ she says. 

2. The workday
To that end, use the time at your desk to get in a quick workout during the day. Not sure where to start on that one? Our partner app FitBolt offers a convenient browser plug-in that pops up every 30-minutes or so with quick but effective exercises like jumping jacks, planks, and stretches. (Extra bonus: those bursts will count toward your activity total if you sync your FitBolt account to RunKeeper, so you can better keep up with other friends in your leaderboard. 

Sure planks may look awkward at the office, but your core will thank you. Better yet, get your co-workers on board so you’re making fools out of yourselves together.

3. Mix it up
Road races always provide a fun adrenaline boost, and many races this time of year have the added incentive of festive costumes and fanfare. Check out the RunKeeper Races feature to search for ones nearby, and sign up for one with a friend or the family you have in town. Or create your own virtual race using First One There Wins.

Changing up your routine always makes for great motivation, and travel is one of the best times to do that. Check out our library of routes to scope some of the best spots in your travel destination. You’d much rather do that than hit your hometown bar, right?

4. Remind yourself
Planning ahead is almost a must if you want to stick to any sort of workout plan. Right when you’re enjoying the high of a finished workout, schedule your next exercise session using RunKeeper’s in-app workout reminders.

There are other more low-tech ways to get the idea of working out in your face. One RunKeeper user says she lays out her running stuff the night before so it’s “guilting” her all morning.

5. Extra motivation
So you really, really want to work out this month, but you’re not so sure of your own self-control? Put some money on it. Apps like GymPact and Run or Else enable you to pledge that you will work out a certain amount each week, and pay up if you don’t. You’d rather spend that dough on presents anyway, right?

Exercise is just one part of the puzzle to staying fit though, so check out yesterday’s holiday healthy eating tips. 

What do you to stay fit during a busy season like this? We’d love to get your best practices!