Holiday Athlete Survival Guide: Staying Strong During Winter Break
Winter break is right around the corner! Which means more free time, more holiday snacks, and way less structure. For most young athletes, this is the time when progress starts to slip. The good news? It doesn’t have to.
At MaxxFit, we believe break is one of the best opportunities to get ahead, rebuild, and sharpen the skills that get overlooked during a busy sports season. Here’s how athletes can stay strong, confident, and ready to dominate when they return in January.
1. Keep a Simple Weekly Training Rhythm
You don’t need a perfect schedule, you just need consistency. Aim for:
2 strength days (lower + upper)
1 speed/conditioning day
Daily mobility: 5–8 minutes
This keeps power, speed, and endurance sharp without burning out.
Pro tip: MaxxFit will still be open during break, showing up twice a week keeps your edge while everyone else is resting.
2. Focus on Speed & Fundamentals
Holiday break is the perfect time to sharpen the basics athletes usually rush through:
Acceleration technique
First-step quickness
Deceleration & change of direction
Core stability
Jump mechanics
These skills transfer to every sport; basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, baseball, and football.
3. Use Extra Recovery Time to Get Stronger
Most athletes are exhausted during the season. Break lets your body actually recover so you can make real gains.
Focus on:
Quality sleep
Better nutrition
Stretching + mobility
Hydration
Recovery isn’t being lazy, it’s how you build new muscle and upgrade performance.
4. Eat Like an Athlete… Most of the Time
Yes, it’s the holidays, enjoy the cookies! Just don’t forget to fuel your body.
Simple rules:
Eat protein with every meal
Don’t skip breakfast
Hydrate early in the day
Choose fruit instead of sugary snacks half the time
Keep one “balanced” meal a day (protein + carbs + veggies)
You’ll feel better, jump higher, and move faster.
5. Set One Goal for January
Instead of trying to “do everything,” pick one performance goal to lock in during break:
Increase vertical
Improve sprint technique
Get stronger in squats
Build upper body strength
Improve conditioning
Gain confidence in a specific skill
MaxxFit coaches can help athletes choose the right one and build a simple plan.
6. Join MaxxFit Holiday Training
Winter break is the perfect time to get ahead, and we’re running sessions designed specifically for young athletes who want to stay sharp while still enjoying the holidays.
Performance training
Strength + power development
Speed mechanics
Conditioning
Mobility & injury-prevention work
Show up, work hard, and start January ahead of everyone else.