Pencil it In. You are less likely to skip your workout if you make a point to pencil it into your calendar. Look over your plans for the holiday and figure out when and where a workout could fit in.

Keep it Short. You don’t have to run a marathon. Schedule a quick HIIT circuit or a walk with the family to keep your body moving.

Morning Workouts. Holiday events are less likely to get in the way of an early workout. Get an early morning energy boost and set a healthy tone for your day.

Reduce Stress. The body’s system of hormonal checks and balances can actually promote weight gain when you’re stressed out.  Take a yoga class, light a candle, even a few minutes of deep breaths in your room or office can help you relax.

Get the Family Involved.  Going to the store? Kids getting out of school? This is a great opportunity for a holiday walk.  Walking helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens your bones and muscles, and also improves your mood.

We can each help lower our health care costs and improve our health! Being physically active is one of the most important steps that we can take to be healthier. In general, people who exercise regularly live longer and have a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers.

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults do at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (like jogging), and at least two or more times a week of muscle-strengthening activities (like weight lifting) for the best health benefits.