Keep Fit during the Holidays

Many people are consumed with their busy schedules, vacations, shopping and parties during the holiday season.  Although the holiday season is an exciting time, don’t let the excessive amount of activities affect your waistline!  Corry Matthews, Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute Member and certified personal trainer, recommends ways to avoid gaining weight during the holidays.

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Make exercise a daily priority. Wake up early and workout before all the festivities begin for the day.  It is important to plan a workout into your schedule, along with cooking, parties, etc. Matthews also suggests incorporating exercise into a family affair by taking a walk after a holiday meal, walking to look at Christmas lights, etc.

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Don’t over-indulge on the holiday sweets.  Choose which indulgences you have to have, and choose them first. “I always have old fashioned caramel rolls, it is a family recipe and tradition,” says Matthews. “So, I lower the fat in my potatoes and take the brown sugar off the sweet potatoes and use pumpkin spice seasoning instead.”  Also, try to avoid skipping meals, which will slows down your metabolism and causes you to over-eat during the next meal.

Focus on maintaining your current weight.  The holiday season is not an ideal time to begin a diet.  Weigh yourself right before the holidays start and focus on maintaining your weight. To do this, it is important to drink extra water, exercise at least three times per week, leave your favorite foods alone, and try to make your other choices a little healthier!

Bring your workout with you. If you’re traveling this holiday, the best way to stay fit is bringing some light and easy exercise equipment such as jump rope, tubes, resistant bands, etc. Don’t forget your training shoes too! 

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