The Twelve Days of Christmas Home Workout

Several years ago, I created this festive workout as a personal trainer, inspired by the folks I work with as a fun way to stay active during the holiday season. Just like the classic carol, this workout has become a tradition, standing the test of time as a unique and invigorating way to celebrate the season.

Much like we’ve all done since this workout’s debut, it has aged gracefully—but hey, I’m always up for the challenge of creating modified versions to suit where we are now (plus I'm pretty sure no one liked the burpee part to begin with....).

This circuit is made up entirely of bodyweight exercises, designed to build on the previous movement, just like the song. Whether you see how quickly you can complete all 12 days or take it at your own pace, the goal is to have fun, stay active, and enjoy the holiday spirit.

So, how many days can you get through? Let’s find out!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-a jumping jack and a burpee

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-6 hands-free get ups

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-7 speed skaters

-6 hands-free get ups

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-8 mountain climbers

-7 speed skaters

-6 hands-free getups

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-9 lateral lunges

-8 mountain climbers

-7 speed skaters

-6 hands-free getups

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-10 T raises

-9 lateral lunges

-8 mountain climbers

-7 speed skaters

-6 hands-free get ups

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-11 perfect pushups

-10 T raises

-9 lateral lunges

-8 mountain climbers

-7 speed skaters

-6 hands-free getups

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

-12 breaths downward-dogging

-11 perfect pushups

-10 T raises

-9 lateral lunges

-8 mountain climbers

-7 speed skaters

-6 hands-free get ups

-5 shoulder swings! (rest)

-4 supermans

-3 sumo squats

-2 walk out planks

-and a jumping jack and a burpee

🎄 Happy Holidays! 🎄