Ask the Expert: Easy Fitness Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The preceding post on healthy holiday entertaining offered some great ways to enjoy the holidays, while being mindful of your health.  But let’s face it —  we all might over-indulge in seasonal treats just a bit. Help is on the way from my next guest contributor, certified personal trainer, Janice Becker. Melting away the calories from that extra peppermint mocha with whip is easier than you think!

The holidays have crept upon us once again — here are some fitness tips so the pounds don’t creep up as well:

Try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in at least 3 times a week

• Go for a walk — bundle up and take in the fresh air, as you admire the neighborhood decorations.  You will be surprised as to how invigorated you will feel!  Bring a friend along so you can catch up. Or, plan to take Fido for a longer walk then usual.
• If you have a treadmill or stationary bike, hop on and listen to your favorite holiday or party tunes — it will boost you mood as well as you heart rate, and get you pumped for upcoming events.

Strength Training is Key

Take some time to incorporate these standard moves and do 2 or 3 rounds of each.  Treat yourself to an early holiday present by investing in weights, exercise bands and a ball:

• Do 12 Push-ups
• Do 15 Squats
• Do 15 Lunges
• Bicep and Triceps kickbacks
• Chest presses on the ball
• Crunches on a ball or floor

Short on time? No problem —  sneak in these exercises:

While cleaning for your company try these moves:

• Do lunges while vacuuming
• As you’re dusting the top shelves or reach for those hardly-used dishes, do calf raises
• While washing dishes, do side leg raises

Baking or cooking often takes a given amount of time so when you set the timer, try these exercises and do them (in a circuit) until those cookies and casseroles are done:

• Do push-ups on the edge of the counter
• Squat as are getting your dishes out
• Lunge across the kitchen to get what you need

Burn those calories as you Christmas shop! Here’s how:

• When shopping if possible, park far away and walk to your destination. Once in the mall keep a steady pace — you will get your shopping done faster that way too!
• Walk the mall before the stores even open
• If you are shopping in your local town, walk from you home to the stores. You will not only save on gas, but will support local, small businesses (win, win!)
• While carrying those heavy bags do bicep curls

Play with your kids!

Did you know that quality time could double as calorie-scorching time?

• Try getting you kids involved in outdoor actives like playing in the snow, shoveling, sledding, building a snow man!
• Or, if the weather is too frightful to venture outside, play indoor games like Wii or hide-and-seek, or have a dance party: turn on some great music and just dance!

Bottom line is get yourself moving. Do whatever it takes to get yourself up and off the couch.

Remember, being healthy is the greatest give you can give yourself and your family.

Janice Becker is an A.C.E Certified Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant. She has been in the fitness industry for 10 years. She is the owner of FIT FOR YOU, an in-home personal training service. Her clients include young athletes, professional men and women, expecting moms and seniors.

 She prides herself on motivating her clients to live a healthier lifestyle thru exercise, proper nutrition and a positive attitude.

She can be reached at :

Phone: 551-804-7479

Email: janbeck20@yahoo.com

 

{I was not compensated for this post.  I am a regular client of Janice Becker’s and received one complimentary session in exchange for this post.}