How to keep fit during the holidays

The holidays are upon us, and all your time goes to arranging, scheduling, or attending parties, trolling for suitable gifts on ULTA for friends, family and colleagues, and generally stressing out on all the work that needs doing before the break. At the back of your mind, you are resigning yourself to gaining back all that weight you lost over months. It does not have to be that way. You can do all the things you normally do and still keep fit during the holidays. Here are some great tips on how to do it.

Exercise in short, intense bursts

You can forego the hour you habitually spend every day in the gym for shorter, intense workouts at home, on a bike, or in the company swimming pool three times a week. You should be able to squeeze that in easily during lulls in your holiday and work activities. You can even use your It will lessen your stress and make you feel better. You may even lose weight! Studies show that shorter, intense workouts can crank up your metabolism and serotonin levels, giving you more energy and relieving anxiety.

Double time

You can also squeeze in some calorie burning while doing something else. Here are some suggestions

• Walk the dog at a fast trot
• Shovel snow from your sidewalk
• Bike to the mall instead of bringing a car
• Dance the zumba while cleaning or vacuuming
• Do some squats while doing the dishes
• Give your kids a run for their money on the playground

Join in on the fun

Instead of concentrating on finishing off all the food and alcohol during parties, take part in any activity that will get you moving, preferably away from the buffet table. Dance, join in games, help the host in the kitchen, or mingle with guests.

The key to keeping fit during the holidays is efficiency. If you really put your mind to it, you can avoid too much feasting and too little exercise. It is as easy as falling off a log. Just make sure you are not falling face first on to a Christmas Yule log!