For the past couple of years, I’ve been using my birthday (which was last week!) as a mini New Year. After the celebrating (this year I went out for tapas), I take some time to jot down new fitness goals. Tops on my list this year? Lifting more weights and going snowshoeing soon.

Because my b-day’s sooo close to the holidays, I also like to brainstorm ways to stay fit amongst all those feasts. Here’s my plan for this year:

Take a tip from Olympic hopeful Katherine Ruetter and avoid making excuses. She’s training for the biggest races of her life—I’m pretty sure I can get up a little early to do some Pilates.

Sign up for a Turkey Trot. I’ve been doing a Thanksgiving a.m. race for years now and L-O-V-E them. Even if you aren’t a speedy runner, it’s fun to jog with other athletes on the chilliest of mornings (when everyone else is snoozing).

Exercising in the a.m. Fall and winter nights can be so busy and hectic, that it’s best to workout and then hit up the parties and cocoa!

Healthy hearts,
Katie A.

Blog it out...How do you plan to stay healthy this season? Do you ever use your b-day to reassess your goals and resolutions?

 

  EXERCISE Add an extra day of cardio, amp up your strength sesh or try a tough class at a gym. Either way, try something diff to challenge yourself. Not sacking sweets? Gather your besties and hold a dance-a-thon, 5K or mini bike race. Donate a few bucks each to a fave charity.

 

Workout Buddies
I've been a little sluggish lately, and being able to call my BGF to go running is amazing. Even if you don't run, pairing up with a bud is a great way to try out new exercises (swap your fave moves!) and make your sweat sesh more fun. Bonus: You have someone to chat with the whole time.

A DIY Mani
OK, it's not exactly gonna get ya in shape, but doing something just for Y-O-U every once in a while will make ya feel fab. I recommend our Sugar Scrub and bright red polish. Or, go with the ghoul-girl theme and opt for green or black.

Pretty Scents
Right now, I have a rose-scented candle on my desk that I totally heart. Tiny votives are a couple bucks a pop, and can actually boost your mood (especially lavender and jasmine). Can't burn candles in your room? Pick up a scent diffuser or a room spray.

Beauty Rest
I was staying up WAY too late last week, and got so tired and sick it was insane. Now, lots of sleep is tops on my to-do list. It's hard to turn everything off (and tune everything out), but getting rest is key, especially during flu season!

Healthy hearts,
Katie A.

Blog it out...What are your fave (practically free) ways to treat yourself?

 

  EXERCISE Take five minutes in the morning to do calisthenics or stretch. "It can make a difference if you're consistent," celeb trainer Missy Beaver swears. Aim to exercise 30 minutes, three days a week.