Buff Fitness Tips

Wednesday, 23 December 2009 19:00

Many of you will hit the road for the holidays, which are filled with tempting foods, sweets and cocktails. On top of the calorie-dense foods and drinks, exercise is less likely to make it into your schedule during this time. For every 3,500 extra calories you consume that your body doesn’t use, one pound of body fat will be added to your frame.

If the temptation of grabbing seconds at the dessert bar is too hard to resist, make a conscious effort to stay active during the holidays. If you do not have access to a gym, here is a simple workout you can do at home. The exercises are basic and work the core, glutes and upper body. Make a pact with a friend or family member, and follow this routine four times a week.

By Art Waters, MA, CSCS, Personal Trainer at Sweat Life Fitness, Inc.

Complete as a circuit for 3 rounds; take a 60-90 second break between rounds.

Push Ups (15-25 reps)

High Knees in Place (45-60 seconds)

Combo Lunge (lunge forward then backward, completing 20 total reps on each side)

Chair Dips (15-25 reps)

Ice Skaters (10-12 reps each leg)

—Compiled by Brooke Aronoff