Fun Fitness Tips for the Holidays

In addition to being a writer I'm also a licensed personal fitness trainer and I'm often asked for creative ideas everyday people can use to stay fit. Well, here are a few fun tips that are sure to help you out this holiday season.

The Ten Minute Workout

At some point during your day steal away 10 minutes to do a series of basic exercises, one after the other without taking a break. (i.e. Repeat four sets of 10 counts of: Jumping-jacks, Push-ups, Sit-ups or Crunches, and Squats or Deep-knee-bends). This will get your heart rate going and provide some muscle toning. The most important thing the 10-min workout provides is the consistency towards daily fitness your mind and body need to forge healthy habits. Add or exchange exercises as you see fit. Grow the workout until you can do 10 sets of 10 reps, then as many as 20 reps of each exercise.

The Shopper's Deal

When you go to a mall, Target, Wal-Mart, or whatever shopping center you frequent, commit to 30-minutes of uninterrupted, brisk walking before you allow yourself to shop. Increase your pace as you feel able and increase your duration up to as high as 60 minutes. Also, don't search for the close parking spots; park far away and walk to and from at a brisk pace.

Ask Santa for a Trainer

For anyone that can afford a personal trainer, Christmas is a great time to get a good deal on a multi-week package. Think of it this way, Kobe, Oprah, Halle and anyone who depends on maintaining a certain level of fitness (and can afford it) all have personal trainers. Check your local gym, or do a Google search for "personal training". Many will work in the privacy of your own home, or meet you at a gym. Call 3 trainers to compare pricing.

Make It A Family Affair

Walk the neighborhood together for 30 - 45 minutes. Make it a competition with your spouse, sibling, child, or whomever you can. Compare minutes per day, minutes per week, or whatever makes it fun.

Remember the Golden Rules

1) You have to burn approximately 3500 calories to lose one pound.

2) Quick, easy fixes don't work, you just have to!

3) Know that as soon as you start, your subconscious avoidance of work is going to find an unlimited amount of excuses for you to quit within 1 - 2 weeks. Be ready for it and don't give in.

4) When you feel like you want to workout the least, that's when your drive needs to kick in the most! Don't even begin the negotiations with yourself (trust me, you'll lose). Just stick to your routine.

You can do it, and you are worth it.

Good luck!