Don’t let hectic holidays derail your workout schedule

What’s usually the busiest time of the year is roaring up on us.

With so many holidays and the prep time for them filling the next six weeks, there is a lot to do. We’re planning special meals, buying gifts then wrapping ’em, decorating our homes and going to parties. And more parties.

Oh boy, it sure is easy to skip those regular workouts. Resist the urge to do so. While it was hard to get into the habit of exercising, getting out of the routine can occur overnight. Don’t let that happen to you.

Here are two tips from Chicago’s instructor of group fitness instructors, Susanna Kalnes, who is featured in the December issue of Shape magazine. See the story of her fitness transformation here.

Two things Kalnes suggests that will serve you well over the holiday crunch.

For one, get your workout in early. The earlier the better, she says. Then it’s done and out of the way when other commitments pop up.

But, and this is very important, make sure it’s a time that’s doable for you. If in your heart you know there’s no way you’ll get yourself to the gym by 6 a.m., then don’t schedule that time.

The other recommendation from Kalnes: make an appointment in your calendar for exercising. Schedule your workout just as you would a meeting; make it a time you are not available. You wouldn’t cancel a scheduled work meeting for something else, would you?

Then don’t do it for your exercise time, either. “For me that is a very important meeting, and it is,” says Kalnes. “It’s my health. What’s more important than your health?”