Ho-ho-hold on to your running shoes!

Surviving the sweet temptations of all of those irresistible holiday treats is one battle during this time of year, but staying in shape and avoiding the typical holiday weight gain is a whole new other kind of battle that requires a bit of creativity and firm commitment to conquer. There are many ways to think outside the “gift” box when it comes to keeping up your exercise routine during the busy holidays, so hold on to those running shoes and run with the so-called challenges of the season. And, who knows? Before the New Year rolls around, you might have even turned your fitness level up a Dasher, a Prancer or a Dancer notch. Follow these 10 tips for staying in shape throughout the holidays and snow won’t be the only thing you’ll see melting away.

1. Make a List of Fitness Goals and Check it Twice.

We all know how easy it is to skip a workout, so don’t fall into the trap of putting exercise at the bottom of your to do lists this holiday season. Set some realistic fitness goals and stick to the plan just like you would during any other time of the year.

2. Commit to Doing Something Active Every Day.

Okay, so the nightmare shopping mall parking situation has convinced you that it’s too much of a hassle to drive to your local gym for an average workout. Since you’re out, you might as well use this opportunity to park as far away as you can from the front doors of the mall. Factor in a 15-minute walk back and forth to your car and you just completed a 30-minute workout.

3. Shop Till You Drop, Literally!

As you cruise around the malls, pick up your pace and power walk to all of those deals so you can finish your Christmas shopping faster. Avoid the elevators and take the stairs whenever you can. You might want to hit the malls during the off hours so you won’t be slowed down by all of those crowds. And, besides, you need lots of room to carry all of those heavy bags for the weight portion training of your day!

4. Use Your Lunch Break to Run Holiday Errands.

Why sit at your desk when you can burn calories from your lunch and get all of your shopping done during the day so you can keep your evenings free to stick to your regular exercise schedule?

5. Shop Online and Have More Time to Work Out.

These days, it’s just as easy, if not easier, to shop for all of your gifts online. And, most online retailers even include free shipping. Think of all of the hassles you’ll avoid and all of the extra time you’ll have to stay right on track with your exercise routine.

6. Enjoy Old Family Traditions and Create New Ones.

Take out the song books and go carolling around your neighbourhood. You might even make new friends to work out with in the New Year. Go chop down your own Christmas tree. Walk, don’t drive to view all of the homes decked out with holiday lights and decorations. Create new holiday party games everyone can enjoy inside.

7. Try a New Winter Sport.

You’ve mastered skating and skiing, but how about trying snowboarding or snowshoeing? And, I bet you can’t even remember the last time you went on a sled! Make sure to plan some day trips or mini vacations with a friend or with your family so you can take full advantage of all the winter sports while there’s snow on the ground.

8. Don’t Watch the Snow Fall.

Grab a shovel and get a 20- to 30-minute workout or more clearing all of the accumulated snow in your driveway and on your sidewalks. You’ll be happy you did when you won’t have snow banks to deal with on the morning drive to work. And, while you’re at it, you might as well build an outdoor skating rink in your backyard since you’ll be clearing the way to it.

9. Challenge Your Houseguests.

There’s no doubt that you’re a good host, but at some point you have to stop feeding those houseguests and encourage them to work out with you. Invite them to join you at the gym, put on an exercise DVD and see who drops first or dance around to all of your favourite holiday songs right in the comfort of your own living room.

10. If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em.

Spend some of your nights moving around in your kitchen. You can spend hours baking all of those U approved treats that every one will love at your next holiday party.

Don’t wait until the New Year to set your fitness goals. Use your time wisely and creatively during the holidays as a gauge to measure how far you’ve come on your weight loss journey and as far as you’re willing to go to become the best U now and in the New Year. Set your goals, stick to them and enjoy the holiday season like never before!