www.sundayterritorian.com.au Sunday, December 1, 2013. Sunday Territorian. 19

PU

B:

NTNE-WS-DA-TE:1-DEGE:19 CO-LO-R: C-M Y-K

How to conquer

Christmas

sundayterritorian.com.au LIVING

Lifestyle

EVERYONE enjoys a bit of indulgence during the silly season, when daily routines go out the window and there

are more social events than there are days in the week. But your fi tness doesn’t have to suffer - a few simple tricks can help you stay on top of holiday weight gain. Brock McRobb, super-fi t personal trainer with The Gym@CDU, is here to remind you how to win the battle of the bulge this Christmas.

Understand the basics

YOU’VE worked hard on your health and fi t-ness all year, and now it’s time to take it easy, right? Wrong.

Sticking to your fi tness regimen during the silly season will ensure the number one New Year’s resolution to lose the weight you’ve put on over Christmas doesn’t become mission impossible.

“We tend to be more sedentary if we take time off work over Christmas,” Brock said.

“At the same time, we often indulge in high-calorie festive food and drinks.

“Less energy expenditure and more energy intake is the equation for weight gain, spelling disaster for our waistlines.”

Strike a balance

THERE are plenty of great ways you can keep your exercise commitments when your family and social life start to take over.

“Striking a lifestyle balance can be an issue when exercising regularly,” Brock said.

“The person must be willing to sacrifi ce the amount of time required to fi t exercise into their day, otherwise it simply won’t work.

“There is a lot of confl icting information out there about how much we should exercise, but I would recommend at least one hour of moder-ate exercise three times a week.”

Make smart swaps

OFFICE Christmas parties, family dinners and get-togethers with friends can spell disaster for

a healthy lifestyle, especially when the food is fatty, fried and free.

“Go for the fresh food platters at Christmas functions, as these are a healthier option than the fried food ones,” Brock said.

For those of us who cannot resist a party pie or two, remember that four mini puff pastry snacks contain a whopping 696 calories, which would take more than a solid hour of jogging to work off.

Stick to your motivation

EVER looked through a magazine and landed on an image of a successful, sporty woman who you’d love to be like? Or a buff bloke with biceps under his business shirt?

Cut these pictures out and stick them to your fridge so you’re constantly reminded of your fi tness and health goals. The idea is you’ll be less tempted to reach for that packet of short-bread biscuits.

Find a friend

AS SOCIAL occasions become more frequent over the festive season, exercise can become less of a priority. If only there was a way to combine socialising and working out, you might think.

Luckily, Brock said there is. If you’re struggling to fi nd the motivation to

get to the gym after work, fi nd yourself a fi tness friend.

“Having an exercise buddy will motivate you to honour your fi tness commitment and hold you accountable when you try to bail on a gym session,” Brock said.

Make it personal

IF YOUR friends aren’t as diligent about their

fi tness as you are, enlist the services of a per-

sonal trainer to keep you motivated.

“A personal trainer can push you to get the

most out of your workout,” Brock said.

“They can also show you fun and different

ways to work out so you don’t get bored.

“If you can’t afford daily sessions with a per-

sonal trainer or you work irregular hours, ask

them to create a personalised training program

for you.

“That way you can save for extra Christmas

presents as well as enjoy fl exibility around

when you work out.”

Keep it in the family

WITH the kids at home over the school holidays

and rellies visiting from interstate, Christmas

is a great time for families to get active together.

Head to the water park, enjoy an afternoon of

barefoot bowls, or simply go for a walk at one of

the Territory’s many beauty spots.

There are plenty of free fi tness ideas.

“Rather than driving to see the Christmas

decorations in your neighbourhood, take a

stroll,” Brock said.

“Some of my most memorable Christmases

have involved a game of cricket or a slip and

slide in the backyard.”

• The Gym@CDU is open to members of the public.

Forget wondering what to buy people, what to feed people and who to spend

Christmas Day with. There’s another battle on the cards at this time of year, but it’s

one you can easily win with some simple advice…

By LOUISE ERRINGTON

The Gym@CDU’s personal trainer Brock McRobb

SUNDAY

Some of my most memorable Christmases have involved a game of cricket or a slip and slide in the backyard

NAUGHTY• Deep fried finger

foods• Too many yummy

Christmas desserts• Overindulging in the

liquid Christmas cheer• Spending your days

lounging on the couch watching the cricket

• Playing on your new PlayStation all day, every day.

NICE• Fresh fruits and salads• Drink plenty of water

– this isn’t the North Pole, so stay hydrated

• Playing with all the new outdoor Christmas toys

• Taking a stroll to see the Christmas lights

• Going for a swim, playing backyard cricket, having a family water fight