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The average weight gain during the holiday season is 8 – 12 pounds.  Yikes!  That’s probably not the gift you want to give yourself this year.  If you’re getting to the point where you’d rather nap than exercise maybe these tips can help.

The holidays can be stressful enough without trying to maintain a regular exercise schedule.  But at the same time, staying active will give you more energy to accomplish everything on your list – and reduce stress.  Plus you’ll look fantastic at the holiday parties.

1. Reward yourself with new exercise clothes.  If you have a new workout outfit you’ll want to slip it on and take it for a spin.
2. Sign up for a fun-run with your family.  For a list of events check out SacramentoRunning.com.
3. Go for a walk or toss around the football with the family after a big meal.  It could become a fun family tradition.  Our family has a traditional Silly String fight.
4. If you’re staying with family or friends ask if they have a gym membership – or see if there is a gym nearby that lets guests use the facility.
5. Use every opportunity to burn off a few calories.  Get creative.  Combine housework with exercise by doing a few lunges as you take out the trash – or 20 wall pushups after you make the bed.  Every little bit counts.
6. Power walk in the mall while shopping.  Dodging meandering families adds to the challenge.
7. Find an exercise buddy to hold you accountable during the holiday season.
8. Don’t worry about losing weight,  just work on not adding the extra holiday pounds.
9. Ask for a personal trainer or boot camp package for Christmas.
10. Don’t give up.  If you have a few slips along the way it’s okay.  Don’t give into all-or-nothing thinking.

Hopefully this gives you a few extra ways to stay motivated to exercise during the holiday season.  What works for you?  Share your tips with us!