"The most important thing is smart splurging and calorie burning," says Dave Van Daff, Senior Director of Education and Development, Bally Total Fitness. "Indulge over the holidays with your favorite foods, but find a healthy balance between eating and exercise."

He recommends the following advice for staying in shape during a season of excess:

  --  Don't skip meals. You might think you're saving calories before a big
      holiday dinner, but instead you're creating a starvation situation to
      justify overeating later. Your body won't like it and neither will
      your waistline. Instead, eat small regular meals to control your
      appetite.
  --  Hors d'oeuvres or cocktails - pick one. If you're going to a party,
      make a decision to either eat the appetizers or drink instead. If you
      do both, you'll end up overeating and consuming empty liquid calories.
      While it's easy to overlook alcohol, the calories can add up over the
      course of an evening. If you forgo the snacks and stick with
      cocktails, wine or beer, eat a healthy snack before the event to avoid
      drinking on an empty stomach.
  --  Invite yourself to the gym. While the holidays are crammed with party
      invitations and social events, schedule your workouts on the
      calendar...and stick to them. Treat your gym visits as must-attend
      engagements. If you need extra motivation, RSVP to someone who will
      hold you accountable - whether it's a friend, family member or
      personal trainer. Also, if you're traveling, you can still exercise at
      a Bally Total Fitness club with a national membership. There are
      nearly 300 locations, which means you're never too far from your next
      workout.
  --  Accidental Activity. If you can't set aside time for a full-fledged
      workout, find small ways to include activity in your day. Skip the
      snow blower and pick up a shovel - a highly effective calorie burner.
      Take a walk with your family before or after dinner for bonding time
      and the chance to work off the meal. Shop in tennis shoes so you're
      more apt to walk quickly and stay on your feet longer. Also skip the
      escalators, take the stairs and do calf-raises while standing in line.
  --  Ask Santa for gym shoes. When it comes to making your holiday wish
      list, add workout clothes, a heart rate monitor or tennis shoes. When
      you have new gear that you're excited to wear, you're more apt to use
      it. The best gift is staying healthy and fit for the New Year!

For more information, including Bally Total Fitness Center locations and hours of operation, please visit www.ballyfitness.com.

Bally Total Fitness operates approximately 300 clubs across the United States. With more than 3 million active members and over 30 years of experience, Bally is among the most popular health club chains in America. The professional team at Bally Total Fitness helps motivate members to improve their physical health and reach their personal fitness goals with many affordable membership choices - including options with no long-term commitment.

Source: Bally Total Fitness