Exercise Tactics for the Holidays

Do you have a game plan to keep you in shape over this holiday season?  Personally, I'm approaching the holidays head on.  I love running, and more than that, I love the benefits of running!  It's a very efficient way to burn calories and it definitely keeps a glow on my face.  My plan is to schedule 30-minute runs at least three or four times a week.

My husband is determined to keep the pounds off, so he's really watching what he eats.  Yesterday at Thanksgiving dinner, he walked away from the table when dessert was served and went in the other room to watch football. This morning he was gratified that he hadn't gained any weight.

The most important tactic is to develop a mind-set now about how you're going to deal with this hectic time of year.  Create specific, measurable goals, for example accumulating 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week; doing bodyweight exercises like push ups, squats and crunches every other day and five minutes of stretching every day.   Put your plan into action one week at a time. If you get derailed, regroup and get back on track. 

There are five weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's, and the way you take charge of your body now determines whether you greet 2011 on your game or in need of remedial fitness training! 

Happy Thanksgiving!