During the holiday season, it's not just about merriment and celebration. There are actually several activities that can help you burn calories while having fun. Dr. Amy West, a sports medicine physician at Northwell Health, shares some of these calorie-burning gems with PEOPLE.

Uncover the Holiday Calorie-Burning Secrets

Hanging Lights: A Calorie-Burning Adventure

Practically, hanging lights can be a great calorie-burner. As Dr. West mentions, if you're constantly going up and down a ladder while doing it, you can burn up to 200 calories in just 30 minutes. The act of climbing and hammering nails adds an extra intensity to this seemingly simple task. It's amazing how these little efforts can contribute to our overall health during the holidays.Moreover, the visual appeal of the hanging lights adds to the festive atmosphere. It's a win-win situation – you get to enjoy the holiday lights and also work on your calorie count. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your beautifully decorated home while knowing you've burned some extra calories.

Vacuuming Under the Tree: A Thorough Workout

Cleaning under a shedding tree might not be the most glamorous task, but it sure packs a calorie-burning punch. According to Dr. West, vacuuming can burn up to 300 calories in 30 minutes. The pushing and pulling motion is not only good for range of motion but also helps to keep the area around the tree tidy.Adding some extra effort like going up and down stairs with the vacuum or bending down to pick up things can further increase the calorie burn. It's a great way to multitask – get the house clean and work on your fitness at the same time. This activity shows that even the mundane chores can have a positive impact on our health.

Wrapping Gifts: A Posture and Mobility Booster

While wrapping gifts may not seem like a major calorie burner, it can actually have some benefits. Sitting on the floor and wrapping a gift can work on your mobility and help with posture and spinal flexibility. As Dr. West advises, keeping your chest up and maintaining good posture while wrapping can be a great way to engage those muscles.It's a small activity that can make a difference. You can take a break from the shopping frenzy and focus on taking care of your body while adding a personal touch to the gifts. Wrapping gifts becomes more than just a task; it becomes a way to take care of yourself during the holiday rush.

Decorating a Tree: Expanding Your Range of Motion

Decorating a tree is not only a fun holiday activity but also an opportunity to work on your range of motion. As we age, some of us lose the ability to put our arms over our head. But by climbing up and down a ladder to decorate, you can potentially burn 200 calories in a half hour.This activity allows you to reach for those hard-to-reach spots on the tree and engage your muscles in a way that is both enjoyable and beneficial. It's a reminder that we can incorporate fitness into our holiday traditions and make them even more meaningful.

Walking Through the Mall: A Pace-Picking Adventure

Instead of casually strolling through the mall, take a more active approach. Walk at a faster pace, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk up the escalator. Dr. West explains that the more intensely you walk, the more calories you burn. In a half hour, you could burn 250 to 300 calories.The mall during the holidays is a bustling place with so much to see and do. By adding some extra steps and intensity to your walk, you can make the most of this experience. It's a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the holiday spirit.

Walking in Your Neighborhood: A Cardiovascular Boost

Walking around your neighborhood to look at holiday light displays is not only great for your cardiovascular health but can also torch calories. Dr. West notes that if it's colder, you will burn more calories technically. But regardless of the temperature, maintaining the intensity of your walk is key.The sight of the beautifully decorated neighborhoods adds to the charm of the holiday season. By combining the joy of walking with the beauty of the lights, you can get a double dose of happiness and fitness. It's a simple activity that can have a big impact on your well-being.

Ice Skating: The Intense Calorie Burner

Hanging on the rink wall won't do much for calorie burning, but actually skating can be a much more intense activity. If you're going fast, you could burn up to 500 calories in a half hour. However, Dr. West reminds us that this is maximal effort.Ice skating is a fun and exciting activity that allows you to move your body in a different way. It's a great way to challenge yourself and burn some serious calories. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, ice skating can add some excitement to your holiday routine.During the holiday season, there are so many ways to incorporate fitness into our daily lives. These calorie-burning activities not only help us stay healthy but also add to the joy and spirit of the holidays. So, put on your holiday cheer and get moving!