The FIRST & BEST Original Pilates^® Studio

The holiday season for most people is synonymous with friends, family, gifts and good cheer. However, it's not all celebrating; it is gift buying, commitments and fatigue and it seems to start earlier and earlier each year. More and more people, particularly women, are feeling that the holidays intensify the stress they already experience in their 24/7 do-it-all career to caretaker world.

Unfortunately, the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and the New Year is seven pounds. For some people, it's an easy gain of an extra 10 pounds that can take months to shed. Holiday weight gain needs to be stopped dead in its tracks before the pounds pile up. The good news is that you can do just that with a few helpful pointers. You don't have to bypass the fun of the season, just the extra calories. You can enjoy the festivities while also maintaining your weight and fitness regimen.

Here are some helpful hints to help you stay on track and not let your good intentions be derailed during those hectic holiday weeks:

• Before the holidays creep up on you, create a plan to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It's an attitude and mindset that will help you avoid dragging the "seasonal seven" into the New Year with you. If last year undid three months of hard work at the gym, that doesn't have to be the case this year. What this means that you have to realistically determine a specific amount of time to devote to exercise and fit it into your holiday schedule. Schedule your workout in your daily planner as you would any other task.
• Believe in yourself and your ability to make the right choices. There are always choices and that includes the holidays. You are in control of the situation; the situation never has the power to control you. Part of being smart and successful is the ability to make the right choices
• On days you lack energy, motivation or simply enough time, remember this very important word, salvage. If you can't do your complete exercise routine, commit to doing 15 minutes of it. Something is better than nothing and mentally you will feel better too, knowing you did some exercise as opposed to zero. If you regularly go to the gym, do a video at home. Cut out the drive time, not the exercising completely.
• If you work in an office, be prepared to be surrounded by a deluge of fattening holiday treats, seasonal functions and co-workers who will tempt you to indulge in the unhealthy selections. Keep some healthy snacks in your desk, carrot sticks or a piece of fruit in the fridge, so you won't be tempted by the cookies at 3:00 snack time. While running errands or shopping have healthy snacks on hand.
• Have a healthy and filing low calorie snack before attending a holiday party. You will be less tempted to overeat or feel hungry or deprived. Never starve all day in an attempt to "save up" all your calories for the big bash ahead. You will surely be starved and most likely will overeat.
• Check out the choices and choose wisely. Chomp all you want on the raw veggies and skip the dip. Pass on the cheese and crackers and go for the strawberries and fruit chunks.
• Avoid wasting calories on alcohol. Have sparkling water, diet soda or tomato juice. If you don't want to be called a "party-pooper" mix your wine with half sparkling water and take all night to sip the glass while carrying it around for the entire evening.
• Talk instead of eat, socialize! Hang around the people, not the food table.
• Reduce your stress. Don't overextend yourself and become overwhelmed. Make a list. Do all your shopping in one mall at one time or shop on line. Go easy on yourself. It's the thought that counts. Buy a good enough gift. Don't expect perfection.

This holiday season take care of yourself. Remember life is just a balancing act! Hopefully these pointers will help you enjoy the holiday season and combine the fun of the season with staying fit.

< Back to ARTICLES Table of Contents

Welcome to Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs | Pilates Events | Pilates Articles | Pilates Class Schedule
Pilates Class Descriptions | Pilates Class Pricing | Pilates Instructor Training | Special Discounts for Pilates Classes
Who is Fran Perel? | Pilatesculpt^® | All About Pilates | Pilates Demos & Photos
Choosing a Pilates Studio in Coral Springs | Pilates Client Testimonials | Pilates Members Only
Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs In the News | Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Affiliations
What's New at Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs | Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Events
Pilates Recommended Links | Contact & Find Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs

Copyright © 2006-2007, Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. and Fran Perel. All rights reserved. Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. teaches Pilates in its original form and is the first studio in the country to be certified an Original Pilates® studio by Mary Pilates, niece of Joseph H. Pilates. Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. is dedicated to preserving the original teachings and legacy of Joseph H. Pilates. Fran Perel has been trained and certified as an Original Pilates® instructor by Mary Pilates. Pilatesculpt® is an original form of exercise created by Fran Perel as well as recognized and trademarked by the United States Federal Government. Pilatesculpt® combines Original Pilates® with Body Sculpting for maximum results. All Original Pilates® certificates and trademarks are available on this website. See content to view. All Pilates articles and Pilates information are © copyright Fran Perel and Parkland Pilates of Coral Springs Inc. and are not available for reprint without permission.

11312 Wiles Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33076
(954) 227-7878