Three exercise routines that will help you keep it tight over the holiday season

Although I may always appear to be in shape, just like everyone else I occasionally give into the many holiday gift baskets and seasonal treats common to the season… especially anything with Godiva printed on it. Did you know they have an official Godiva taste tester? She’s a real, live person whose job it is to taste test all Godiva chocolate. While this may sound like a dream job (it certainly does to me!) as you can imagine, just like me, she gets up early to hit the gym before her ever so demanding work day expends her poor taste buds. ;) The sad truth is that we all must work to maintain our figures during the holiday season.  If you’d like to avoid the New Year’s resolutions in January, take note of the following 5-10 minute exercises anyone can do in their spare time throughout the holiday season and year round.  Consult a personal trainer or fitness professional if you’re unsure of how to safely and accurately perform any of the following exercises.

1. Kettlebell Interval Workout

The Kettlebell is a fun and versatile workout tool almost anyone can use, regardless of your current fitness level.  The kettlebell you choose should be ¼ of your current weight. For example, if you weigh 120lbs, you would want to choose a kettle bell that weighs 30 lbs. or almost 14 kilograms.

You’ll need to know how to identify and perform the following exercises – Deadlift, Goblet Squat, and Swing. Click on the links to watch instructional videos of each exercise and make sure you have correct form while executing them to avoid injury.

Perform the following:

1. 10 deadlifts, 10 goblet squats, 10 swings
2. 8 deadlifts, 8 goblet squats, 8 swings
3. 6 deadlifts, 6 goblet squats, 6 swings
4. 4 deadlifts, 4 goblet squats, 4 swings
5. 2 deadlifts, 2 goblet squats, 2 swings

2. Ab Workouts (requires a partner or buddy)

Ab workouts are often more satisfying when done with a friend or buddy. Try the following ab workouts while you’re on vacation or visiting friends/family this holiday season. Choose someone that will help motivate you throughout the year, not just the holiday season.

Side Toss* – “Stand facing in opposite directions so your left shoulder is about 4-6 feet away from your partner’s right shoulder. Place the ball at your right hip. Use your core to twist the ball toward your partner. Release the ball at chest level and pass directly in front of your partner. Alternate as quickly as you can while maintaining control for 30-45 seconds.”

* For those of you who choose to workout solo, a solo side toss option is to toss the ball at a wall or flat structure back at yourself.

Shoulder Tap Planks – “Assume a good high plank position with your hands under your shoulders and your feet as wide as your hands. You and your partner should be set up so that the crowns of your heads are about 6-8 inches apart and facing each other. Without shifting or rotating at your hips, both partners lift their right hands and tap each other on the shoulder. Alternate as quickly as you can while maintaining control for 30-45 seconds.”

3. Burpee Circuit

Everyone loves doing burpees, right? Uh no… I love a burpee about as much as a holiday dinner without chocolate pecan pie. However, the burpee is growing in popularity amongst fitness professionals because it’s just about the best full body workout you can do without any equipment, anytime, anywhere.

Burpee – “Begin by standing tall with your abs pulled in. Lower down into a squat, and place your hands on the ground in between your feet. Jump your legs back so you’re in a plank position. Hold for 2 counts, jump your feet back to your hands, and stand up. Repeat as fast as you can for 30 seconds.”

Burpee Walk – “Begin by standing tall with your abs pulled in. Lower down into a squat position, and then place your palms on the ground in between your aligned feet. Step your right foot back, followed by your left. You should be in a plank position now. Hold for 2 counts, then step your left foot to meet your left hand followed by your right foot to meet your right hand. Press off your heels, and stand up. Do this as fast as you can while maintaining proper form for 30 seconds.”

Burpee with a Jump – “Begin by standing tall with your abs pulled in. Lower down into a squat, and place your hands on the ground in between your feet. Jump your legs back so you’re in a plank position. Hold, lower down, and do a push-up, then push up back to a plank position, jump your feet back to your hands, and explode up off the ground, reaching for the ceiling. Land softly with your knees bent, and repeat as fast as you can for 30 seconds.”

Whatever you decide to do this holiday season to stay in shape, remember to stay consistent with your chosen workout routines and don’t forget to treat yourself every once in a while. I know I will ;)

As always... love much, laugh often, reach for your goals and never give up, but look fabulous while doing it all! Love, Blair :)