Hometown Country Christmas Parade
Enjoy a guilt-free Holiday Season
By ANDREA RENEE WYATT, M.S.S., C.S.C.S.

It's the holiday season, and not only are the days shorter, but so is the amount of time you have to dedicate to your fitness program.

Keeping a realistic and effective fitness routine during the busy holiday season can be challenging. But there is hope! With planning and some minor changes, you can enjoy a fit and guilt-free holiday season. Here are some suggestions:

• Add yourself to your "to-do" list. Just as you make lists to purchase presents or attend holiday parties, place time for yourself on your important list of things to do. If YOU don't make the time to take care of yourself, it won't find you.

• Set realistic goals. Setting a goal of losing body fat, gaining muscle or training for a marathon during one of the busiest times of the year can be challenging. Switch to a maintenance plan if you know you will experience a change in your schedule and responsibilities during the holiday season. When your schedule returns to normal, your body will be ready to kick back into high gear.

• Plan ahead. Anticipate the change in schedule and priorities you'll face as the holidays approach. Modify or condense your workouts to receive the same amount of cardiovascular and strength-training benefits within the time available. For example, if you are accustomed to exercising five days a week, strengthening a different muscle group each day, an effective modification could be switching to three days a week using full-body exercises with one day of rest in between.

• Keep an exercise journal. Journaling can be a great way to hold yourself

accountable and stay committed to your exercise routine during the holidays. Having to write down your activities can encourage you to stay active, even when you feel otherwise.

Enjoy the holidays, and when you don't have time to do anything else, KEEP MOVING!

Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S., is a certified personal trainer with an extensive background in strength and conditioning as well as therapeutic recreation. If you have a fitness or training question, e-mail Andrea at letters.kfws@hearstsc.com or write her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.