Continue Improving Even During the Holidays

Let's face it, it's the Holiday Season. The time of year we share special time with our family and friends. With food usually in abundance it can be difficult to make the best choices.

You can enjoy yourself when you use good judgement. Drink water before taking in the meal. Recognize your satiety level, that point at which you know you are satisfied. Because the foods are available doesn't mean you have to eat past the point of fullness. Enjoy in moderation.

After you've done the crime, do the time...in the gym that is. If you've overdone it, you will need to increase the intensity of your workouts to burn more calories. The way to lose weight is by keeping our caloric intake in deficit (burning more than you take in). You will surely gain by continually staying in caloric surplus (eating more than you burn). Include workouts in your schedule right along with the family dinners and holiday parties. The goal is to get through the season without adding on an additional 10 or more pounds that we will be vowing to lose in 2011.

Back to workout intensity. To burn more calories you will either need to spend more time in the gym, or kick up the level of intensity. Lift heavier, or run/walk faster. Incorporate circuit or HIIT training. You can find a vast number of workouts to try right here on the internet, or in magazines and books. Don't be afraid to try new things.

Don't have a gym membership. Home workouts work just as well. There are many terrific exercise videos available on the market. You can even structure your own circuits for home. Pick a number, then pick your poison. For example, the number is 20. Now do 20 jumping jacks, 20 bodyweight squats, 20 side leg raises. That's four exercises. Repeat the circuit 3 to 4 times. Increase the number of repetitions and sets as your endurance and strength improves. Pick exercises that target larger muscle groups for calorie burning bang.

I've not done too bad over the Thanksgiving holiday. Yesterday I began incorporating additional intensity into my cardio workout. I slapped on a weight vest. Used the EFX and Stepmill while wearing it. Removed the weight vest, then ran suicides. I have to say I felt feather-light and could run the suicides much better. Strapped the vest back on and hit the steps again. Within 1 1/2 hours I burned nearly 1,900 calories. That included my warmup and abs after cardio.

When you find different strategies to use workouts can actually be fun. Take time to become informed, try new things and watch your physique change. Remember, if you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting.

Happy Holidays!