Ho ho ho, and Merry 12 Days of Christmas workout to you my friend!
Have you ever done one of these types of workouts before? Or looking for some new inspiration of what your 12 Days of Christmas workout should be for your gym members? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out!
We’ll review the basic structure of these types of workouts, throw in a few specific workout ideas you can steal and also share some Christmas inspired workout clothes for those of you that want to get extra festive.
‘Tis the season so what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a good workout? Amiright?
Basics of a 12 Days of Christmas Workout
The first time I was introduced to this type of workout, was my first Christmas being a part of my local CrossFit gym. When I first saw the workout posted, I thought it looked fun and relatively easy.
Don’t be fooled like I was.
Let’s break down the basics of a 12 days of Christmas workout so you aren’t as surprised as I once was. This way you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
Details of the Workout
Ok so, here’s the gist of a workout like this.
You have a list of 12 different movements. Each movement will be listed in order from 1 to 12.
But here’s the catch.
The workout isn’t just going from top to bottom or from the bottom to the top. No.
For a 12 days of Christmas workout, you start with the first movement. Do the 1 rep and your first round is complete. Then, you go to the next movement. For your second round, you do 2 reps of a movement and then 1 rep of a movement. So for every round, you are adding another movement to it. By the 12th round, you will have to go through every movement from 12-1.
Try singing the Christmas song in your head if you find yourself getting confused. “On the first day of Christmas…”
Let’s break it down in more detail, just to be sure. Take a look at what the rep scheme would be for this at home 12 Days of Christmas workout listed in the image below:
- Round 1: 100m run
- Round 2: 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 3: 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 4: 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 5: 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 6: 6 Plank Shoulder Taps + 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 7: 7 Sit ups + 6 Plank Shoulder Taps + 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 8: 8 Inch Worms + 7 Sit ups + 6 Plank Shoulder Taps + 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 9: 9 Air Squats + 8 Inch Worms + 7 Sit ups + 6 Plank Shoulder Taps + 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 10: 10 Mountain Climbers + 9 Air Squats + 8 Inch Worms + 7 Sit ups + 6 Plank Shoulder Taps + 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 11: 11 Burpees + 10 Mountain Climbers + 9 Air Squats + 8 Inch Worms + 7 Sit ups + 6 Plank Shoulder Taps + 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
- Round 12: 12 Russian Twists + 11 Burpees + 10 Mountain Climbers + 9 Air Squats + 8 Inch Worms + 7 Sit ups + 6 Plank Shoulder Taps + 5 Tricep Dips + 4 Squat Jumps + 3 Devils Press + 2 Push Ups + 100m run
By the time you have completed the 12 rounds, you will have done a total of 364 reps 🤯. This workout is for time, so how long it takes you to complete all reps will end up being your score.
Now that you’ve seen that breakdown, you are definitely more prepared for a 12 days of Christmas workout than I was!
Additional Example Workouts
What’s fun about this style of workout, is you can completely customize it to you and/or your gym. Whatever movements you are comfortable doing or have the equipment to do can help you to determine what movements to choose.
Maybe you already know all about the fun, festive Christmas WODs and are just looking for some examples. Here are a few of our favorite, custom versions of the 12 days style workout.
This first one is spicy because it includes a fair amount of leg movements, so that by the time you get to the run….well, you may find it goes a little more wobbly than expected.
- Round 1: 1 Thruster
- Round 2: 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 3: 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 4: 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 5: 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 6: 6 Toes to Bar + 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 7: 7 Box Jumps + 6 Toes to Bar + 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 8: 8 Wall Balls + 7 Box Jumps + 6 Toes to Bar + 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 9: 9 Burpees + 8 Wall Balls + 7 Box Jumps + 6 Toes to Bar + 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 10: 10 Mountain Climbers + 9 Burpees + 8 Wall Balls + 7 Box Jumps + 6 Toes to Bar + 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 11: 11 Back Squats + 10 Mountain Climbers + 9 Burpees + 8 Wall Balls + 7 Box Jumps + 6 Toes to Bar + 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
- Round 12: 12 Russian Twists + 11 Back Squats + 110 Mountain Climbers + 9 Burpees + 8 Wall Balls + 7 Box Jumps + 6 Toes to Bar + 5 Deadlifts + 4 Pull Ups + 3 HRPU + 2 Front Squats + 1 Thruster
Summer is coming so the winter is an excellent time to get those abs ripped and ready for warmer weather. Feel the burn with this ab inspired burner of a workout we created.
- Round 1: 10 sec Plank
- Round 2: 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 3: 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 4: 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 5: 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 6: 6 Kettlebell Swings + 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 7: 7 Pull Ups + 6 Kettlebell Swings + 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 8: 8 Toes to Bar + 7 Pull Ups + 6 Kettlebell Swings + 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 9: 9 Flutter Kicks + 8 Toes to Bar + 7 Pull Ups + 6 Kettlebell Swings + 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 10: 10 Reverse Crunches + 9 Flutter Kicks + 8 Toes to Bar + 7 Pull Ups + 6 Kettlebell Swings + 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 11: 11 Burpees + 10 Reverse Crunches + 9 Flutter Kicks + 8 Toes to Bar + 7 Pull Ups + 6 Kettlebell Swings + 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
- Round 12: 12 V Ups + 11 Burpees + 10 Reverse Crunches + 9 Flutter Kicks + 8 Toes to Bar + 7 Pull Ups + 6 Kettlebell Swings + 5 Leg Raises + 4 Mountain Climbers + 30 sec Hollow Body Hold + 20 sec Handstand Hold + 10 sec Plank
Blank templates for a 12 Days of Christmas Workout
Take a stab at creating your own 12 Days of Christmas workout and share it out! We’ve added in some blank templates so that you can download and write in your own personalized workout for this holiday season.
Just right click any image below and select “Save Image As” to use the template.
What to Wear
Don’t be the only grinch at your gym’s 12 Days of Christmas workout by not dressing up. Get creative and have fun with it!
We’ve got some great red and green options on our list, from tank tops to leggings to socks. This list will be sure to help you spread some good cheer!
Christmas Tank Tops with Graphics
Peanuts Holiday Tank Top
I mean, what screams Christmas more than a Snoopy inspired tank top? For any Peanuts lovers out there, you should grab this cute tank top to make your December workouts a little more cheery. Who knows, the joy it brings may help you PR! 🙂
Christmas in July Santa Tank Top
Gotta love the chill side of Santa in the summer time. Not to mention this tank top can serve duel purpose for any Christmas in July workouts or parties you may want to attend as well.
Muscles + Mistletoe Tank Top
Some of the most good looking, creative things can be found on Etsy! Simple is sometimes best and this Muscles + Mistletoe tank top.
Solid Colored Christmas Tank Tops
All about multiple purpose when spending money? Yea, me too.
Consider some solid red or green tops for your Christmas themed workout so that you can extend the use of the shirt all year round.
Mippo Crop Tops for Women
Want to get festive and dress up but also not willing to spend money on a shirt you’ll only wear once a year? Totally understandable. This Amazon brand top comes in red and army green, for that subtle tribute to the holidays that can last you throughout the year. This top has a solid back and a nice flowy fit.
CRZ YOGA Racerback Workout Tank Top
Not only is neon trendy, you can make it work for Christmas too! If you’re looking for an easy idea, I always think dressing up as a Christmas tree is pretty simple and festive. Just dress up in all green, tape on some polka dots for ornaments and maybe add a star to a headband and you’re good to go!
This green tank is also available in red so you have some options.
Long Sleeve Workout Tops
Long Sleeve Cropped Shirt
Something about the winter time makes me stay cold, even when I have about 6 layers on inside the house. So if you’re looking for something with a little bit more coverage while exercising, this long sleeve shirt is the perfect Christmas red.
Note that the listing calls its a sweatshirt but I personally thought it was really thin.
Long Sleeve Seamless Workout Shirt
Running during cold weather means more base layers. These shirts are a great lululemon dupe. While the pattern is a bit different than the name brand, the shirt still does a good job of keep your body warm.
Christmas Workout Shorts
CRZ YOGA Biker Shorts
Bright red biker shorts? Heck yes! These shorts are a loud red in the best possible way. The possible combinations to dress these up for Christmas are endless.
CRZ YOGA 4″ Quick Dry Shorts
I know I know, ANOTHER CRZ YOGA item. But I have a problem where I love expensive things but my budget doesn’t love them. So if I see a dupe, I’m trying it. And I legit live in the lululemon Speed Up running shorts so I couldn’t wait to try these. The CRZ YOGA brand does run larger so I’d size down but otherwise I find myself thinking I’m pulling out my lululemon but it ends up being these shorts.
Great dupe, plus they come in red and green!
Christmas Workout Leggings
CRZ YOGA Women’s Naked Feeling Workout Leggings
Leaning towards more of the bright side of merry and bright for your Christmas workout? These neon red leggings will do the trick!
Not only are the CRZ YOGA amazingly comfortable, these leggings are also a pretty close dupe to the lululemon Fast and Free leggings. Honestly, if you already own some of the lulus then you will notice that these knock offs aren’t a perfect match. But for a third of the price, I think you’re still going to enjoy this pair too. Or if neon isn’t your thing so you’re looking for a more affordable option, know that these leggings will do well during whatever kind of workout you have planned.
Colorfulkoala Women’s High Waisted Tummy Control Workout Leggings
Looking for a more subtle red legging this holiday season? I personally have about three pairs of these Colorfulkoala leggings. And again, while the fabric is not as high quality as lululemon, the leggings are still pretty darn soft for the price. While these are soft like the align leggings from lululemon, they have more structure to them if that visual makes any sense? Even though they are stiffer in some ways, they are still super soft and comfortable.
THE GYM PEOPLE Women’s Joggers Pants
In search of a green pair of leggings for your Christmas gatherings? This pair of The Gym People joggers would make for a great workout pant but could also be a cute transition pant for whatever festivity you may need to rush to after the gym.
Although this is the one pair of pants on the list I haven’t tried myself, the 15,000+ reviews speak highly of them! But be warned, the fabric is slightly shiny like those old adidas warm up pants from back in the day. On the flip side, they have pockets which is always a plus, and many say they are a more comfortable fit compared to the align joggers by lululemon.
Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets
I mean, the lululemon brand is popular for a reason. Each item is pretty darn good quality and even though their clothing is expensive, it lasts. So if you’re looking to get your holiday spirit on but also add to your growing workout wardrobe, get you a pair of these.
Or if the olive green isn’t festive enough for you, check out the large selection of Align legging colors on their site!
Born Primitive 2022 Holiday Collection
Ok can we please talk about how freaking cute the Born Primitive line of festive workout clothes are this year?!?!?! I wanted to include a link to every single item. You legit can’t go wrong and if you’ve never tried this brand, it’s great quality for reals.
So run and don’t walk on over to the Born Primitive site because some sizes are starting to sell out!
Socks and Accessories
Holiday Run Elf Costume Skirt
Glitter? Tutus? I have quite a few friends who always go this route when they have a themed run coming up. It screams fun and dresses up any workout gear instantly. I usually size up one so that I can easily fit it over layers of fabric.
Festive Mid Calf Socks
Bells will forever make me think of magical elves running around. Be the magic for others out there and grab a pair of some jingly calf socks.
Santa Stuck in the Chimney Hat
More than likely, it’s cold where you are in December. Keep your ears warm with a funny Santa inspired Christmas beanie! Bonus for the fact that this beanie lights up. So if you’re running in the evenings when it’s dark, this can provide additional alerts to drivers.
But if this particular hat doesn’t speak to you, click the link to explore more fun, Christmas themed hats from this brand.
Even if you don’t have any particular holiday parties planned for this year, getting dressed up for Christmas never fails to put a smile on someone else’s face. So whether you’re going to a gym workout or just heading out for a walk in your neighborhood, consider going to the extra mile and dressing up for the Christmas season! And if you feel like you need an excuse (which you totally don’t), just say it’s for the kids! 🙂
Merry Christmas to y’all!
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