Sport&Health Clubs: Holiday Fitness Poses Perfect Test For New Year's Resolutions, USA

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 30 Dec 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Tempted by the treats during the holidays? Experts agree that while going overboard is not advisable, a little indulgence combined with discipline is perfectly okay to stave off those 7 pounds Americans typically gain during the holiday season. Sport&Health Clubs, Washington D.C.'s largest athletic club company, considers the holiday season to be the perfect testing ground for those who incorporate fitness into a New Year's Resolution.

"Many people who keep a strict diet during the holidays don't find the season enjoyable and tend to be less motivated to set new fitness goals once the season comes to an end," said Mitch Batkin, senior vice president of fitness at Sport&Health. "The right tools and a little discipline make it possible to enjoy holiday foods and still stay fit. And if you can emerge from the holidays with your fitness intact, maintaining fitness goals for a New Year's resolution can be a breeze."

Batkin offers the following points to consider this holiday season:

- Enjoy a healthy snack before a big holiday meal. A cup full of carrot sticks, an apple or a handful of pretzels can be just what you need to curb the appetite, and they will leave less room for high-fat holiday foods.

- Eat freely in moderation. Sample the tempting foods on the holiday table, but in small portions. Load up the rest of your plate with vegetables and fruits.

- Stay active. The holidays are a time to relax but that doesn't mean you should be lazy. Take a brisk post-meal walk, enjoy outdoor winter sports like skiing and ice skating, or make time for a workout.

- Beware of liquid calories. With roughly half the calories of traditional egg nog, apple cider may be a healthier choice. Steer clear of large amounts of alcohol or soda, which will provide little more than empty calories.

- Drink lots of water. Not only is it important for helping you stay hydrated, it also helps you feel full - and stave off that second piece of pie.

- Eat only when hungry. Many people eat just because food is in front of them. Pause for a moment before that second or third helping and consider whether you truly feel full.

About Sport&Health

Since 1973, Sport&Health Clubs has grown to be Washington's largest family of full-service health clubs and day spas with 24 locations in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. The Company serves the health and fitness needs of more than 100,000 Washingtonians, with over 2,000 employees and is one of the top 10 health club companies in the U.S. (based on annual revenues). The clubs feature state-of-the-art fitness equipment, individual and group personal training, group exercise classes for all levels including Pilates, yoga, step, high and low impact, kickboxing and more. Many clubs feature tennis, racquetball, squash, basketball, swimming and a Kidz Klub, which features a nursery, climbing mazes, dance classes, camps and a variety of junior programs for all ages. Several clubs feature Serenity Day Spa that provides therapeutic massage, body treatments, nail and skin care and hair styling and design.

Sport&Health