Fit Not Fat This Holiday Season

1.) Perform at least one intense strength training session per week

Studies show that only a single strength training workout per week during times when you cannot train as frequently as you normally do is an effective way to maintain your current levels of strength and lean muscle mass. So, to best maintain your strength and lean muscle mass, shoot for at least one good strength training workout per week to stay in shape during the holidays and to prevent unwanted regressions in fitness. To best prevent weight gain, aim for three total body strength workouts per week. To maximize fat burning, perform three total body strength workouts per week and also perform three cardio interval workouts per week on non strength-training days.

2.) Avoid The Machines

Machines have made us an incredibly out of shape and overweight society. This holiday season make it a point to not use them! Now I don’t mean to say that you cannot drive to the mall during the holidays. However, when you get to the mall, try to park further away so you can do more walking to get inside. Avoid using elevators and escalators and opt for the stairs; all those steps truly do add up. Instead of having your kids carry the bags, burn more calories by carrying the bags yourself. Stay on your feet as much as possible and resist the temptation to let a robot or machine do the work for you. (unless it's the glass elevator at Waterplace Tower in Chicago...i do like that one.)

3.) Get Outside When You Can

As winter settles in there are going to be fewer and fewer nice days...but I would highly encourage you to take advantage of every nice day that come along and take a long, fast walk or run outside. Put on a little extra clothes and take it to the streets, it's a good chance to get some fresh air and some sunshine, both of which seem to be in short supply in the winter and both of which tend to keep your mood elevatedl Once again, all these calories here and there truly do add up and could make a difference between you fitting in your pants or ripping your pants by the time the clock strikes midnight this New Year!