Strong Brew: Holiday Strength Without the Burnout
The holiday season can be equal parts magic and mayhem. Between travel, late nights, busy schedules, and extra stress, it’s easy for fitness to turn into an “all-or-nothing” situation.
In the latest Strong Brew episode, Cory Cripe (owner of Fitness Lying Down in La Crosse, Wisconsin) shares a practical, real-world approach to staying consistent with strength training and functional fitness—without turning workouts into punishment.
Holiday Training: Consistency Beats Chaos
At Fitness Lying Down, we coach people (especially adults 40+) to build strength that shows up in daily life: carrying, lifting, shoveling snow, getting up from the floor, and moving with confidence. That means your training plan has to work in the real world.
When energy is low, adjust the dials
Some days you’re ready to train heavy and push intensity. Some days your body is asking for a different approach. Progress doesn’t disappear when you reduce load or volume—it often improves because you’re honoring recovery.
- Reduce load (weight) while keeping movement quality high
- Cut volume (sets/reps) to match your energy
- Prioritize warm-ups, mobility, and breathing to reset the system
Recovery is training
The fastest way to stall out during the holidays is to treat rest like a weakness. In reality, recovery is what allows your training to “stick.” Better recovery supports better strength, better mood, and better consistency.
- Sleep and stress management matter (a lot)
- Low-intensity movement can be a game changer
- Smart programming beats random “beast mode” workouts
Why Functional Strength Training Matters (Especially This Time of Year)
Our coaching at Fitness Lying Down blends personal training and group training with the principles of DVRT (Dynamic Variable Resistance Training)—because we want strength that improves how you move, not just numbers on a bar.
Whether you’re navigating holiday travel, extra time on your feet, more driving, or simply a busier calendar, the goal is the same: train in a way that leaves you better, not beat up.
Want to See What Fitness Lying Down Is Like?
Before you scroll to the video, take a minute to read what people just like you are saying about their experience: stronger cores, less aches and pains, more confidence, and training that finally feels sustainable.
(Pro tip: if you’ve been curious about strength training in La Crosse, WI, this is a great place to start.)
Watch the Episode
Grab a cup of coffee, enjoy the holiday guitar intro/outro, and take away a mindset that helps you stay consistent through the season.