Colder weather has a habit of chilling exercise ambitions and heating up appetites. But it's easy to keep pounds in check, says Paul Van Wiechen, a director of exercise physiology at Cleveland Clinic Canada.
1
Do a wake-up workout. Aim for a 10-minute circuit: push-ups, shoulder press and squat combo, plank pose and downward dog. Chase with a protein shake.
2
Practise desk-chair yoga. Sitting in a flexed position weakens your back muscles. Master the back bend: Sit on the edge of a chair, plant feet on ground, brace abs and interlace fingers behind head. Inhale, slowing letting the weight of your head lead the back bend. Pull elbows back and down, slightly arch upper back, flex hips, gaze skyward, then pause until muscles lengthen and soften. To come up, pull belly button to spine and lift supported head until torso is straight.
3
Commit to your fitness fling. This month, gyms and community centres publish new schedules: Seek out fresh activities that you'll look forward to. Pay registration fees upfront to help ensure your attendance.
4
Sport your style. Don't wait to splurge on those new lime green and electric blue sneakers until after you lose 10 pounds. Go shopping now for accessories, shoes and basics in sweat-wicking, supportive-sculpting fabrics so you can confidently look fit and perform at your best.
5
Get tech-savvy. Tracking workouts beefs up your motivation while it trims your waistline. Some gadgets and websites to check out include the Nike Sports Kit (works with iPods), GymTechnik.com (use your smart phone to track workouts at the gym) and MapMyRun.com (get e-mail reminders).
