Happy Holiday Abs

Here’s your new strategy for keeping that trim waist without missing out on the fun.

- Lesley Rotchford

With all the outdoorsy activities, you’d assume that holidays must be very ab-friendly. “I’m now seeing women putting on more pounds during (this time),” says registered dietitian and nutritionist, Keri Gans who is also the author The Small Change Diet. The holidays involve special-occasion eating and drinking featuring parties, barbeques, weddings, vacations and weekends spent lounging instead of lunging. On top of that, there’s the burnout factor. After months of being disciplined with diet and exercise, most just want to let loose during the holidays. Not necessary, though; you can hold on to the results you’ve worked so hard for with these tips.

Do a few sets of reps

When you loosen up your eating and exercise routines, your abs are one of the first things to go. But you can keep your tummy tight and strong by incorporating just a few ab moves in every workout. Personal trainer Ryan Taylor, the founder of Training by Taylor in Chicago, suggests doing two or three sets of 15 to 20 reps of moves like V-ups, Swiss ball pikes (with palms on floor and feet or knees atop a Swiss ball, draw feet in toward chest, lifting hips), and mountain climbers.

Eat early