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Top 10 New Year's Fitness Tips

By Kristi Molinaro | December 30, 2011 4:40pm | Updated on January 5, 2012 3:10pm

I've been training clients in NYC for over a decade and am often asked for advice on how to keep fit  during and after the holidays. Even when you're surrounded by sweets and holiday party goodies or you're up to your forehead in family drama or other end-of-the-year stress, it's still possible to stick to your fitness goals. Here are a few of my favorite tricks:

1. Keep the alcohol and desserts to twice-a-week. We all want to go a little crazy on the sweets and drinks during the holidays, and if you eat "clean" the other five days of the week you can afford a little indiscretion in your diet.  A lot of my clients even commit to a "dry" January to help them get back on track — no alcohol until February 1st. 

2. Add intervals to your workouts. Study after study show that working past your comfort zone by varying the intensity of exercises, no matter what your fitness level is, can elevate your metabolism for up to 36 hours AFTER your workout; this extra boost can be what keeps you from putting on a few pounds even with some indulging!

3. Take a yoga or Pilates-style class to help de-stress. Increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) have been shown to add inches to your mid-line, and a few peaceful mantras might be just what the doctor ordered when you're going to be dealing with your in-laws. 

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It's been said so many times, but it's so true. Often people think they're hungry when they're actually dehydrated. Plain water is the best, but coconut water is a close second because it helps to naturally replace electrolytes lost, it's low in calories and can help your skin glow. 

5. Motivation follows action. It's my favorite saying when it comes to making workouts a regular part of your life. When you're sitting on the couch feeling completely unmotivated, force yourself to get up, get into your workout clothes and out the door. Once you start moving the motivation will almost definitely kick in!

6. Skip the cabs.  I love taking taxis but let’s be honest — they get expensive and the subway is often faster.  Taking the train expends more energy and saves you a few bucks…sounds like a good New Year’s Resolution to me!

7. Something is better than nothing.  It’s easy to decide to skip all activity when getting to the gym isn’t a possibility, but even something as simple as taking two steps at a time up the subway stairs can burn a few extra calories, tone your glutes and get you to where you’re going to a bit faster.

8. Check out a new class.  When work schedules are lighter during the holidays, it’s a great time to check out a class or teacher that normally doesn’t fit into your schedule, or check out one of the many boutique gyms that have popped up around NYC.  They can get a bit pricey, but shop around — you live in the best city for fitness talent…it’s everywhere!

9. Work your core while you’re waiting for the train.  Engaging the core in balance exercises is easy, fun and can be done pretty much anywhere.  When you look at that timetable and see that the 2 train isn’t coming for 8 more minutes, challenge yourself to stand on one foot for 4 minutes and on the other foot until the train arrives.  As we get older our balance declines which can lead to slips and falls and often injuries.  Maintaining good balance is a great way to stay healthy.

10. Use your phone or tablet as a fitness tool.  Most New Yorkers are tied to their devices even more than the average American since most of us take mass transit to and from work.  Use that time spent staring at your phone to guide your fitness routine.  Keep a record of food and exercise daily so that if the results don’t start coming you can look back and see why.