Holiday Tips - Staying Fit

Advice to Stay Fit & Feel Great During the Holidays

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I recently started a new workout routine, and so far it's been working...and I've been sticking to it. But in the last few weeks, the obligations of the holidays have been getting in the way, between parties, shopping, cooking, and I can feel myself falling off the wagon.

Any tips for keeping up with my workout despite being so busy?

Sincerely,

Gym Rat Wannabe

April Masini's advice:

Dear Gym Rat Wannabe,

Don’t ignore the holidays — acknowledge that they will change your fitness regime.

Then, make the following adjustments to stay fit and feel good during the holiday season:

1. Schedule and re-schedule. Take an honest look at your schedule, and instead of trying to squeeze exercise into your schedule, don’t squeeze anything in. One of the mistakes people make during the holiday season and other busy times of life, is to squeeze things in. Instead, take things out of the schedule, with the goal being not to do more, but to do less well.

2. Change your exercise repertoire. If you usually take exercise classes, and are only able to exercise when classes are given, skip the classes and take a hike or a swim at an indoor pool instead.

3. Don't go crazy. so you need the exercise to compensate. Don’t overdo the drinking, eating and staying out late. Try to keep an even keel — as much as you can — even if it means a little more than last year, so that missing an exercise session won’t cost you as much in terms of health.

My book, Think and Date Like a Man, has an entire chapter focused on diet and exercise. Check it out for more tips!