Note to Self...

Don't leave a half eaten chocolate coffee scone next to your work station all day if you don't want to be tempted!!

For some reason I just left it there... all afternoon.

Then got totally sidetracked by looking for flights to Europe in May!!

Alex and I are going for it. Yes, there are jobs to worry about and savings that should probably be left alone, but this is my thought: YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE. If I don't travel to Europe now- when I'm not on a solid career track and don't have a mortgage or some other debilitating debt holding me down- when AM I going to go?

Can someone please tell me I'm not crazy?!

Onto other things (as if I'm able to think about other things...)

This morning, it was cold in our heatless house. I did not want to get out of bed, let alone go to spin class.

I made my coffee, broke off a piece of a scone (hooray for willpower) and checked my usual blogs...

With spin class set to start in 20 minutes, I was still PJ-laden. But I knew if I was planning to write a post about staying/getting fit before the holidays, I couldn't be a total hypocrite.

Donning my warmest workout ensemble,

I dragged myself to class with this as my fuel:

(Definitely the best Larabar in my opinion- tastes JUST like a pb cookie!)

I arrived a couple minutes late and, to my complete surprise, got the LAST bike!

This has never happened in all my 2 1/2 months of spinning at the Y.

Usually there are AT LEAST 4 or 5 bikes for the taking.

Not today, folks. A couple other late arrivals breezed in, only to walk right back out after scouring the room.

In between pants, I spoke to the [super sweaty] guy next to me, "Wow, it's really full today."

He gasped, "Yeah, everyone's trying to lose weight before Christmas." As he turned his head away, a 1/4 cup of sweat flew off his nose in a stream. Gross.

All sweating aside, his comment made me realize that shaping up before the endless holiday parties and family gatherings begin is already a no-brainer in many people's minds.

That's great news! It also inspired me to let you guys in on a couple important reasons/tips to either stick with the routine you already have (despite every fiber in your early morning shivering, sheet-wrapped being shouting "NO!") or start easing into a workout regime now so that when the new year hits and resolutions abound, you'll already be one step ahead of the game.

• Get your strength training on! Invest in a Jillian Michaels DVD (she will make you burn) and workout at home if you're not a fan of the gym. I've said it before: building muscle will help your body burn all the extra cookies and libations you'll be no doubt be indulging in over the next month.                                                                                     My favorite at home move? Push ups. SO GREAT for your core, arms and chest. They're tough, but start by trying 3 real ones, then build up to 5, 10 and so on. It'll burn at first but it's the best way (without equipment) to enhance overall body strength that I've found! Learn about proper technique here.
• Don't stress about cardio. Yes, we all want to build endurance, but if all the crazy holiday errands have taken over and you just don't feel like pushing yourself on the elliptical today, don't worry about it. Take it nice n' easy. Bring a magazine and just move for 30 minutes. The fact that you've chosen to do even a little something for your fitness is good enough. 
• Bundle up and take a walk. Okay, if you're in the midst of pre-Arctic winter, this one might not be for you but I LOVE putting on some layers, a scarf and gloves and going for a brisk walk with loved ones during this time of year... It's a great time to catch up, walk the pups or just admire the holiday lights and scenery.
• Go ahead and jump on the train if you haven't already. I'd be willing to bet that most people put "get in shape" close to the top of their new year's resolution lists. Why wait a month? If you start today by doing simple things (like taking it easy on a cardio machine with a magazine or doing some crunches and push ups at home), you'll already be primed and ready to take it up a notch come 2011. Plus, by forming those habits and incorporating exercise into your day now, it won't be so hard later.
• Try sticking to clean eats between the partying. I'm personally making it a mission to down more green juice than usual and get heavy doses of fiber-filled fruits and veggies everyday. Cleaning out your system while you can will allow your body to better serve you when it's faced with 2 servings of grandma's not-so-easy-to-digest, but still delicious green bean casserole.
• The endorphins you get from exercising on a cold morning will beat sleeping in for that extra hour any day of the week- I swear!

I hope this inspires you just a little. As tough as it is to stick to a set schedule during this jam-packed time of year, exercise is one thing you definitely won't regret pencilling in!! Especially when you're at that cocktail party. On your third piece of cake...

Hey!

How'd that happen?

I'm off to make some hummus and other stuff...

Until tomorrow ;)

BTW: Please remember that I am not a personal trainer by any means... These are just things I've found to be true in my own experience. If you've got questions, email me- mbee321@gmail.com!