Celebrate the Season without Tipping the Scale

CHICAGO, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Eat, drink and be merry sounds like a festive way to savor the holiday season, but it's also a guaranteed way to pack on the pounds before the New Year. Instead of waiting for a January 1st resolution to hit the gym, start small with eating tips and exercise tricks.

"The most important thing is smart splurging and calorie burning," says Dave Van Daff, Senior Director of Education and Development, Bally Total Fitness. "Indulge over the holidays with your favorite foods, but find a healthy balance between eating and exercise."

He recommends the following advice for staying in shape during a season of excess:

• Don't skip meals. You might think you're saving calories before a big holiday dinner, but instead you're creating a starvation situation to justify overeating later. Your body won't like it and neither will your waistline. Instead, eat small regular meals to control your appetite.
• Hors d'oeuvres or cocktails - pick one. If you're going to a party, make a decision to either eat the appetizers or drink instead. If you do both, you'll end up overeating and consuming empty liquid calories. While it's easy to overlook alcohol, the calories can add up over the course of an evening. If you forgo the snacks and stick with cocktails, wine or beer, eat a healthy snack before the event to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
• Invite yourself to the gym. While the holidays are crammed with party invitations and social events, schedule your workouts on the calendar...and stick to them. Treat your gym visits as must-attend engagements. If you need extra motivation, RSVP to someone who will hold you accountable - whether it's a friend, family member or personal trainer. Also, if you're traveling, you can still exercise at a Bally Total Fitness club with a national membership. There are nearly 300 locations, which means you're never too far from your next workout.
• Accidental Activity. If you can't set aside time for a full-fledged workout, find small ways to include activity in your day. Skip the snow blower and pick up a shovel - a highly effective calorie burner. Take a walk with your family before or after dinner for bonding time and the chance to work off the meal. Shop in tennis shoes so you're more apt to walk quickly and stay on your feet longer. Also skip the escalators, take the stairs and do calf-raises while standing in line.
• Ask Santa for gym shoes. When it comes to making your holiday wish list, add workout clothes, a heart rate monitor or tennis shoes. When you have new gear that you're excited to wear, you're more apt to use it. The best gift is staying healthy and fit for the New Year!

For more information, including Bally Total Fitness Center locations and hours of operation, please visit www.ballyfitness.com.

Bally Total Fitness operates approximately 300 clubs across the United States. With more than 3 million active members and over 30 years of experience, Bally is among the most popular health club chains in America. The professional team at Bally Total Fitness helps motivate members to improve their physical health and reach their personal fitness goals with many affordable membership choices - including options with no long-term commitment.

SOURCE Bally Total Fitness

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