5 ways to stay fit during the Christmas season

Staying in shape over the Christmas holidays is never easy. Too much food, drink and too many endless nights out result in a lack of sleep and an overload of rich, sugary food. Counteract the extra calories by being active and carry on through into the New Year for a healthy approach to 2014. Here are some fit solutions to get you started.
1. Avoid gimmicky gym classes

The more fun an aerobics class sounds, the less likely it is to get you fit. Take zumba for example! Jumping around and circling your hips for one hour will burn calories, but it has no proven, specific health benefits and instructors do not even have to be qualified to teach classes. Likewise, dancing in stilettos or exercises that apparently boost your breast size to make you look sexier in your Christmas dress are complete nonsense. Instead, stick to your usual gym session, cut down the time you are working out if you are short of time but increase your intensity. You will burn more fat and increase fat burn even when you are not exercising due to excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC.
2. Go for a run
Most of us have an extended period of time off work over Christmas so make the most of it by getting up early and going for a run. The cool weather and pretty sunrise makes an early morning workout more bearable and you’ll feel super smug and pleased with yourself for the rest of the day.
3. Get your skates on
Head to the Dubai Mall ice rink with family and friends for an afternoon of skating. Not only is it fun, it’s a great cardio workout that you won’t even notice you are doing.
4. Invest in some home gym equipment
If you have your family descending on your home this Christmas it will be difficult for you to go to the gym. Head to your local sports shop and buy a swiss ball, a mat and one set of hand weights (4-5kg is a good weight to use). Devise a home circuit of squats, lunges, crunches and resistance exercises (bicep curl, tricep curl, shoulder press etc) that can be completed in 30 minutes, four times a week to keep you feeling fit and well.
5. Make time for sleep
People who sleep 7-8 hours a night have a lower body mass index (BMI) than short sleepers. When we lose sleep we crave sugary foods to balance our body’s blood sugar levels. During the party season keep 3-4 nights a week low-key and get an early night.