The holidays are upon us and it’s time to think about the turkey, trimmings, shopping, pie - and everything else the holiday season brings. Although, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, some consider it to be the most stressful.

So, in the hustle and bustle, what can you do to stay healthy, stress-free and keep heading towards your fitness goals?

1. Be realistic. Don’t put a tremendous amount of pressure on yourself to make the holidays perfect. Do what you can. Make realistic plans and focus on enjoying time with friends and family. As you celebrate, remember to stop in the gym to take a group fitness class or go for a run - working out is a great way to relieve stress. This will keep you on track to reach your goals and give you a nice head start to your fitness resolutions.

2. Organize and budget. Make a list of what you need to do or purchase. Set a budget for yourself and stay within that budget. A lot of stress comes from overextending yourself financially. Start shopping now - you’ll beat the crowds and it’s a great way to get in an extra workout by walking the mall!

3. Exercise and eat healthy. It’s too easy to let everything go during the holidays. Ever heard yourself saying, “I’m too busy, I’ll start eating healthy after the New Year.” Between co-workers and family tempting you with candy, pies and other heavenly treats that show up uninvited, you can really pack on the pounds if you’re not careful.

Don’t give in. Why not keep your fitness goals you worked so hard for during the other months?

Indulge in the sweets and treats, but set a limit for yourself and stick to it.

Make a plan, ditch the second trip to the dessert table and stay active to burn excess calories and reduce stress.

After all, the holidays are a time to be thankful, not stressful!

Remember, YOU are important! Take care of yourself, have fun and enjoy the season - and you’ll see the benefits of your hard work and get a head start on reaching your New Year’s Fitness Resolution!

What do you want to accomplish at the gym? Improve your appearance, lose weight, tone up or maybe just feel better? Find out what’s standing in your way, then make your goals a reality.
Next time you hit the gym, avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake #1: You Don’t Have a Plan
You’re at the gym, but now what do you do? Lift weights, run cardio - but how does this lead to the results you want? If your scheduled workouts and diet are sporadic, your results will be too. Follow a training and nutrition plan and balance your workout between cardio and strength - then you’ll be on track.

Mistake #2: You Do 10 Times More Cardio than Strength Training
No matter what your goals are, excessive cardio may be hindering your progress. Cardio alone won’t give you the muscle tone you desire. Incorporate a circuit-training program that builds muscle while burning fat. This results in a fast-paced workout and elevated heart rate for stronger, leaner muscle mass.

Mistake #3: Your Nutrition Isn’t Hitting the Mark
Nutrition is the most important part of your fitness plan. The first step to success is going to the grocery store and planning your meals. Find ideas on LifeWorks, our online fitness resource. By beginning and ending your workouts with healthy food choices, you’ll have more energy, be more productive and recover faster.

Mistake #4: Packing on the Weight*
The guy next to you is curling 55-pound dumbbells while you’re holding 35-pounders. You think, “If he can lift those, I can go heavier.” Unfortunately, this could lead to injury and actually stall your progress. Perfect your form with the weight you’re comfort at and increase at your own pace.
There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for hitting your goals. Remember, stick to a plan, make nutrition number one and add variety to your workouts - and you’ll see results in no time.

Need help creating a fitness plan? Ask one of our personal trainers.

*Information cited from bodybuilding.com