A York Gym Guide: CrossFit Jorvik's Toolkit on How to Stay Moving Through the Festive Season

December in York is brilliant… but it’s also chaotic.
Between battling Christmas crowds around the Shambles, carrying shopping bags from Monks Cross, weaving through the Market crowds, and sitting in traffic near the on the A64—December takes its toll. And when you add trying to squeeze in sessions at your local York gym (CrossFit Jorvik of course!), it’s no wonder your body starts to feel tight and tired.

Even though training can slip down the priority list at this time of year, staying mobile doesn’t need to. A few simple stretches can help you feel better, move better, and stay consistent—whether you’re heading into CrossFit Jorvik for a workout or just trying to get through the York festive rush.

Below are quick, zero-equipment stretches you can do at home, at work, or before your next York gym session.

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1. Chest Opener (Doorway Stretch)

Perfect for: tension from carrying shopping bags, wrapping gifts, and long drives.

How to do it:

• Stand in a doorway with your forearms on the frame.
• Step forward gently until you feel a stretch across the chest and shoulders.
• Hold for 30–45 seconds with slow breaths.

Why it helps:
Reverses the rounded-shoulder posture we often fall into during winter errands.

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2. Standing Hamstring Stretch

Perfect for: tightness from walking around shops or standing in long queues.

How to do it:

• Place one heel on a low chair or step.
• Keep the leg straight and hinge slightly at the hips.
• Hold for 30 seconds each side.

Why it helps:
Loosens the backs of the legs and eases lower-back tightness—ideal before or after lower-body training.

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3. Hip Flexor Stretch (Lunge Position)

Perfect for: stiffness from sitting in traffic, driving, or long workdays.

How to do it:

• Step into a lunge position.
• Drop the back knee and gently push the hips forward.
• Hold 30–45 seconds per side.

Why it helps:
Opens up tight hips, supports lower-back comfort, and improves posture—especially after long periods of sitting.

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4. Cat–Cow Spine Mobilisation

Perfect for: releasing stress and tension after a hectic day.

How to do it:

• Start on hands and knees.
• Arch your back upwards (cat).
• Drop the chest and lift the head (cow).
• Perform 10–12 slow reps.

Why it helps:
Gently wakes up the spine and improves mobility.

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5. Upper-Back Twist (“Open Book”)

Perfect for: easing stiffness after wrapping gifts, lifting kids, or tidying decorations.

How to do it:

• Lie on your side with knees stacked.
• Reach the top arm across and open your chest.
• Hold 20–30 seconds each side.

Why it helps:
Improves mid-back mobility, supports posture, and helps you breathe easier.

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6. Calf Stretch Against Wall

Perfect for: tired legs from walking, shopping, or carrying heavy loads.

How to do it:

• Lean into a wall with one leg behind you.
• Keep the heel down and knee straight.
• Hold 30 seconds per side.

Why it helps:
Reduces calf tightness and fatigue—especially useful after long days on your feet.

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7. Neck Reset Stretch

Perfect for: stress, driving, or looking down at your phone.

How to do it:

• Sit tall and gently tilt your head to one side.
• Use your hand to increase the stretch slightly.
• Hold 20–30 seconds per side.

Why it helps:
Releases tight traps and neck muscles, helping you stay relaxed and headache-free.

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How Often Should You Stretch?

Little and often works best—especially in December.

Try:

• 5–10 minutes a day
• Choose 3–4 stretches that target what feels tight
• Focus on slow, controlled breathing

You don’t need a full workout to feel better—just consistent movement.

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A Final Tip: Movement Helps Stress Too

Stretching isn’t just physical. With the festive season being one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year, taking a few minutes to breathe, reset, and move can help you stay calm, feel better, and maintain momentum with your training—whether at home or at your favourite York gym - CrossFit Jorvik!

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