Three Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight this Holiday Season

Can you believe that the holidays are right around the corner? This year has flown fast, and we are headed in to the indulgent holiday season. I am a personal trainer and every year at this time I am busier than ever because I have one goal during the holiday season. It is to keep YOU from gaining the typical 5 pounds that the average American adult gains between November 24th and January 1st. I have very good news for you, I am not going to tell you to avoid yummy treats, holiday cocktails and going for seconds at Thanksgiving Dinner. My plan involves eating holiday cookies, having gravy on your mashed potatoes and drinking fabulous wine and cocktails. What? Yes! It’s the holidays and it just wouldn’t be any fun if we eliminated the good stuff.

Here are my top three ways to avoid weight gain during the holidays. It will make things much easier for you in January. Believe me, it’s very easy to gain weight, and very difficult to take it off.

1. Make a workout plan and stick to it. The holidays are very busy and one of the reasons we gain weight is because we are eating more and working out less. Why not make it easy on yourself and set up an in-home workout program that is quick and produces great results.
2. Quality over quantity…do a 30 minute high intensity workout 5 days per week and you will have increased energy, eat less (because you are more in tune with your health) and keep those holiday pounds from grabbing on to your mid-section.
3. Work out first thing in the morning. There are too many after work distractions…get it done early.

Research shows that when Americans spend money on an in-home gym they are more likely to stick to their fitness program. We are held accountable by spending the money on our home fitness area and the convenience of being able to workout at home makes it almost impossible not to workout.

At HealthStyles we have many fitness options to meet the needs of all fitness levels and goals. Here are a few suggestions, and as always, feel free to contact me with specific questions regarding your health and fitness goals.

An indoor cycle and DVD. Your own private spin class that fits into 4 square feet in any room – perfect for small apartments or studios or multi-use family rooms.

Does joint pain get in the way of your workouts? Try a recumbent bike, upright bike, or elliptical trainer.

Are you too busy to workout? Make it short and sweet with an Inspire home gym. A 30-minute circuit training session will do the trick.

On the road? Pack some Spri bands, a FitBall, or your Acuhoop so you don’t miss a workout while visiting friends and family this holiday season.

Not sure where to start? Set up an appointment for a FREE no-obligation In-Store personal training evaluation* at one of HealthStyles’ 11 Colorado retail store locations. And after you’ve purchased your perfect home fitness solution, we’ll provide you with a FREE In-home personal training session* to show you how to achieve the results you want with your new fitness equipment.

Anne Parker, CSCS
HealthStyles Exercise Equipment
Director of Education and Programs
training@healthstylesexercise.com.

*Free personal training evaluations are available by appointment only at HealthStyles 11 Colorado retail store locations. Free In-Home personal training is available within 25 miles of HealthStyles’ 11 Colorado retail stores. Personal training services may not be available in areas outside of HealtStyles’ standard retail territories. No purchase is necessary for a free in-store personal training evaluation. Free In-Home personal training sessions are available with any exercise equipment purchase. Limit one per customer.