sledHello Felicity and Cheer!

Plenty of feelings come to mind when you think about the holidays - joy, bliss and happiness. The season is often a time for social gathering, with an emphasis on hearty, homemade foods and sweets.  These events, combined with the holiday stressors, suddenly snowball and become huge mounds of excuses, not-so-healthy choices, and the build up of holiday blubber!

‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’… and also a stellar body with rockin’ abs. ‘Do you hear what I hear?’ Well, here are 5 steps that will help you jingle, not jiggle, towards having a healthy and happy holiday season and new year!

1. MAKE A SNOW DAY - Snow is a fantastic tool for exercise. Extra points if you add some laughter that makes your abs move! Making snow angels in the snow is a form of heart accelerating cardio.

2. MOVIE MAGIC - Stay warm and multi-task while watching your favorite Christmas flick. While you may be tempted to reach for the popcorn, instead, take a couple of minutes to do some push ups from the couch, sit ups on the floor, or walk up and down the stairs. Commercials are a great time to sculpt and tone.  Many household items can make perfect weights for lifting - a bag of sugar from your holiday cookie recipes or a gallon of milk are great picks.

3. FITNESS GATHERING - Plan activities with family and friends with fitness in mind. Take a walk on a hiking trail, try an indoor swimming class, or encourage everyone to participate in a group fitness class such as cycling.

4. DANCE TO THE MUSIC – Attending a holiday party? Instead of hanging out in the kitchen, or at the bar, get out on the dance floor. Easily tempted by the array of appetizers, desserts and cocktails? Plan ahead and scope out the fresh fruits and veggies. Entertain wine spritzers instead of whole glasses of wine. If you must have Tiramisu, (translation in Italian: “lift me up” dessert), then just enjoy a spoonful or share it with someone!

5. MAKE A PLAY DATE – To create that extra sparkle and glow - meet up with a personal trainer to help keep you energized and looking and feeling your best!

Inquiring minds want to know, how will you creatively squeeze exercise and healthy eating into your holiday season? Wishing you health and wellness this season!

Loredana Petrucci, Psy.D. is a personal trainer at Canton Club Health and Fitness who specializes in weight loss, maintenance, wellness and personal training. Contact Loredana at loredanapetrucci@cantonclub24.com or 443.794.1096.