However, with a little advanced planning you can make exercise a priority even when away from home. Here are some tips to help you combat the stresses of holiday travel with workout time. 

• Be realistic. You probably won't be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and that's okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.
• Keep family in the loop. If you are staying with family, let them know that keeping to your fitness regimen while with them is important to you. And, explain to them ahead of time your eating plans so that if you skip one of their homemade delicacies they won’t feel hurt or offended.
• Scope out local gyms. If you are staying with family where no fitness equipment is available inquire at the nearby local fitness centers for their rates. Often they offer day passes for minimal fees.
• Pack a resistance band in your suitcase. The band takes up very little space, yet can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine. Plus if your staying where space is at a premium, you can perform exercises that don’t require large open areas.
• Don’t deprive yourself of all the special delicacies. You can enjoy some special meals without going overboard. Indulge in some of your favorite family recipes but check your portions.
• Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you do when you are at home. Try to get a family game of kickball or touch football started. Shoot some hoops with some of the kids in the family. Or, get the whole gang to go ice skating. Effective workouts aren’t limited to the standard fares of walking, jogging and fitness machines.
• Create a new recipe tradition. Offer your assistance in the kitchen and whip up some healthier holiday alternatives. Many traditional seasonal favorites can be altered in ways that lower their fat and calorie content. There are even websites that offer recipe makeovers to help you make a meal more healthy.
• Prepare snacks. If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack some healthy snacks so you aren’t forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops along the way.
• Get comfortable. Don’t forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your destination’s climate.

Here is a quick, simple circuit workout that only requires a resistance band and can be done anywhere. Complete at least one set of 8-12 reps of each exercise.

• Bicep Curl
• Tricep Dip
• Lat Pull Down
• Front Raise
• Push-Up
• Squat
• Abductor lifts
• Adductor splits
• Hamstring Kicks

For detailed instructions on how to perform each of the above exercises, visit: www.workoutsforyou.com/holiday_exercises.asp

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