We've said goodbye to holiday revelries and the season of New Year's resolution making, but promises to keep up with the fitness routine may have slipped into the abyss of post-holiday bliss.

Chilly temperatures, icy streets and cold, dark days are less-than-inviting reasons to head to the gym in the wee morning hours. Winter season may have you cooped up indoors, but there are plenty of ways to get buff and fit before it's time to hit the beach. Grab that yoga mat, pick up a new water bottle and jump into any of these fun indoor activities to boost that sluggish winter metabolism:

Spice Up the Day with Zumba
Get a DVD of this fitness craze to practice dance and cardio moves that will get your heart racing. Zumba workouts tap into your Latin-music-lovin' side so you can heat up your workouts with a little salsa, rumba and hip-hop - and do it all from the comforts of home!

The Great Yoga Tone-Up
Yoga moves designed to burn fat can tighten and tone your entire body, reshaping that couch-loving figure within a few weeks. Get this routine done early in the morning before breakfast for the ultimate calorie burn.

Become the Dumbbell Master
Grab a pair of 5- or 8-lb dumbbells and pace around the house or apartment while doing bicep curls, overhead presses and other simple arm lift exercises to tone up the upper body. Adding weights to a basic walk or stroll can burn up extra calories and train new muscle groups.

Do The Jump Rope Jive
A jump rope and a pair of tennis shoes are all you need to blast away over 800 calories per hour. Jump roping at a moderate pace will give your heart a mega-workout and condition your muscles to the max.

Practice Your Trampoline Pose
Mini-trampolines, also known as rebounders, give you a quick and easy way to tone up the lower body. Get your cardio blast any time of day with a quick 15-20 minute routine on the mini-trampoline; just load up the iPod with your favorite tunes and, jump, jump, jump around.

Just remember, spring break season is right around the corner, which means now is the time to step up the fitness routine and start melting away those excess pounds. Try any of these fun exercise routines to get a head start on that spring body.

Making New Year's resolutions to get fit and healthy is easy, but carrying out those plans is the hardest part of fitness conundrum.

Is rolling out of bed at 7 a.m. for the gym trek really worth it? Won't that extra donut get burned off from the stressful day at work? Why isn't chocolate calorie-free? These are all common questions of the once-motivated fitness enthusiast who has unknowingly fallen off the wagon.

However, there are plenty of ways to jump back onto the health train and make some fitness habits that stick; here's what you need to make getting and staying in shape a priority:

Keep a Journal or Log
Researchers say jotting down your fitness conquests is the best way to stay motivated and right on track with your health goals. Pick up a snazzy journal and fill it up with all the healthy activities you've accomplished over the course of the day.

Pack the Gym Bag the Night Before
One of the easiest excuses for skipping the gym is you ran out of time. Plan ahead by packing your gear in a stylish bag so you can hit the road in a flash. Check off shoes, shorts, tees and other gear from your to-do list for the early a.m. trek so you can focus on just getting to the gym right after you wake up.

Do the Right Workouts
If you're dreading the gym because you detest the workouts, find an activity that you truly enjoy. If running isn't your thing, stop! Work with a personal trainer to narrow down your field of choices to pick out some activities that you actually look forward to. You'll be much more motivated to tackle the physical challenge when you're having fun with it.

Pack a Lunch
Avoid the temptation to overeat on unhealthy food or dine out for a mega-calorie lunch by preparing your own food. Grab a lunch bag and stock up on healthy meals and snacks to keep your energy level soaring throughout the day.

Get a Friend Involved
Find someone who can hold you accountable to your commitment to get healthy and fit. Working out with a workout buddy or talking to someone setting similar fitness goals can keep you motivated and on track on even the most challenging days.

As I discussed last week, the physical and mental experience of stress can actually be used to your advantage. Although stress is blamed for a surprising range of personal problems today, it can be used to restructure different aspects of your life to actually prevent stress in the future. You may be thinking, how on earth is that possible?

Like fear and pain, stress is your body or mind's way of telling you that something is wrong. When you're afraid, you usually know what you're afraid of. When you're in pain, you usually know what's hurting you. But when people are stressed out, they usually treat the symptoms (headaches, tight muscles, anxiety), assuming there's nothing they can do about the source of stress.And, of course, the source of some stress can't be mitigated. Instead of treating only the symptoms, try starting at the source. It's easier than you think.

For instance, many people experience significant stress associated with their jobs - be it difficult bosses, snarky co-workers or the potential for job loss. But when you come home after work feeling so wound up that you can't think straight, try writing down exactly what it is at work that stresses you out. You may feel that your boss isn't happy with your job performance. In that situation, what can you control? If you're concerned about your boss, go directly to him or her. Ask if there's any additional work you can take on or anything they see that you can do to improve your job performance. It makes you look responsible and concerned, and it may make your boss reevaluate the way he or she views you as an employee.

Fortunately, we're not helpless victims of our problems. Take control of the issues your body and mind are making you aware of through stress. You'll feel more in control and experience less stress, regardless of the outcome.

It doesn't matter how healthy you try to be, stress can always undo all your hard work. Who hasn't experienced coming home after a long day and skipping dinner because you're too tired and stressed to eat? Or, even worse, a bag of chips and a candy bar are washed down with a large bottle of soda. Stress can ruin a healthy lifestyle. Learning to cope with stress should definitely be a healthy lifestyle change you make in the New Year. In this week's blog, we'll begin to discuss some of the ways you can handle stress so that it doesn't ruin your healthy lifestyle.

Many people find that working out helps relieve stress. This is a wonderful way to reduce stress levels, because exercise is healthy. It isn't for everyone though. Some of us are simply too wiped out by stress to be able to exercise. When I get stressed out, I turn to relaxing activities. First of all, I brew myself a cup of tea. It doesn't matter if it's the middle of summer; a cup of hot tea always relaxes me. Best of all, I add a bit of Splenda to make it seem like a treat. Then, I turn on some music or get out a book to read. In other words, I take a bit of me time. Taking time for yourself allows you to escape, if only for a few moments.

A few other activities that seem to reduce stress levels include cooking, baking, gardening and crafts. The key is to choose something that you love doing but never have time for. Heck, sometimes all it takes is skipping that quick shower and enjoying a long, hot bath.

What are you waiting for? Break out the casserole dish, book, gardening tools or whatever makes you happy and say goodbye to stress. Also, don't forget to keep tuning in for more ways to cope with stress.

As New Year's resolutions fade into the distance and you get back into the rhythm of work, play and errand-running, sticking with the fitness mantra may become a challenge. Even the most determined can have an 'off' day, which soon turns into two, then three, then an entire week of 'just couldn't make it to the gym.' This is why you need a plan that helps you sneak in some fitness activities without the formal trip to the gym.

A few simple changes to your daily routine can help you burn extra calories; by the end of the day, you could have burned off the equivalent of a mini-workout - and all without breaking a sweat. Here are some easy ways to get that metabolism going and keep up with your fitness resolutions in those busy weeks ahead:

Socialize on the go
If you need 10-15 minutes to catch up with a coworker or associate, consider taking it outside. Walking will ease stress and tension and give you both a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. Put on your walking shoes if you're heading out on icy streets or on a rainy day; you'll be well on your way to quick calorie burn.

Go on a Coffee run, Literally
Choose a coffee shop that's at least a 10-minute walk from the office and speed walk or jog your way to the counter. The quick break in the middle of the day will give your body a chance to shift gears, and the fresh air will do you good. Just make sure you stick with that no-fat, no-whip, sugar-free latte to avoid negating your hard work.

Shoot Hoops Before Dinner
Remember when shooting some hoops or playing tennis against the wall at home was your usual routine before dinner? Relive those childhood memories as you transition from the work day to the evening. To challenge your body, get out of the rut of sitting in your office and then sitting at the dinner table. You'll also burn up some extra calories as you de-stress after your busy day.

Traveling baby boomers will find their newly acquired down time can be spent in a fulfilling way by seeing the world. Since all of the rules have changed with travel, being organized makes all of the difference in the travel experience. Irrespective of the class of service, there are a few personal things travelers want quick access to during a flight, particularly an international flight. Having the right travel kits and easy access to them makes the travel experience that much more comfortable.

For the male baby boomer, there is a great selection of travel kits for men including several leather travel kits. A favorite is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Simple Leather Wash Kit. Made of smooth leather, the Simple Leather Wash Kit measures approximately 1 inch wide by 6 inches deep and 5 inches high. Features include a platform bottom, single side handle, an interior lining and top-zip closure. Available in a gunmetal color, this is the perfect travel kit to store all of the essentials. The retail price for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Simple Leather Wash Kit is $94.

The Johnston and Murphy Zip Traveler Kit is another top choice from the travel kits for men. Made from soft and supple leather, its features include an interior zip pocket, a full zip-around closure to secure the contents and a soft leather texture. Available in dark mahogany wax hide (brown), the Johnston and Murphy Zip Traveler Kit retails for $75.

Victorinox makes an excellent travel kit for women designed to hold full size products and other personal items. One of the leading brands in fine luggage, the Victorinox Mobilizer NXT Locker is ideal for traveling short or long distances and is available in a bright power red. The zip around travel kit features a u-shaped opening for easy access, a large main compartment with zippered pockets, a zippered side pocket, water resistant lining with an antibacterial coating and a handle for easy carrying. Made from nylon, the Victorinox Mobiler NXT Lockerretails for $69 and is ideal for keeping one's necessities close at hand and making one's travel experience convenient.

Over the last few decades, stress has become an increasingly common word. It's also become a great scapegoat and is blamed for everything from poor job performance to crime sprees. While stress can certainly cause myriad problems if left unchecked, it has an upside, as well. Yes, some stress can be beneficial - you just have to know how to use it.

Stress is not universally bad. While losing our jobs or getting injured may cause negative stress in our lives, positive events cause stress too. Happy events like buying your first home, getting married or having a baby all come with hefty amounts of stress - we just don't think of that stress in the same way. For instance, when pregnant, women stress about money issues, buying baby clothes and preparing for labor. In other words, the stress helps them to prepare ahead of time. Stress can have some of the same positive effects, even in seemingly negative situations.

If you're totally stressed out over your finances, don't sit around hyperventilating. Financial stress is a sign that you need to do something, whether it's getting a better job, keeping closer track of your spending or creating a budget. The best thing any of us can do is learn from our stress, which will help to keep us from being stressed out in the future.

When it comes to heart healthy fats, salmon is one of the tastiest choices. Unfortunately, many people skip over salmon, not knowing that this high fat fish is full of good fats. In this week's blog, we'll discuss the health benefits of salmon as well as different ways to incorporate it into your diet.

A quick look at salmon's nutritional facts makes it plain why you should be eating more salmon. A 4-ounce filet of salmon has 185 calories, 5.5 grams of fat, 0.9 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, 2.1 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 0 grams of trans-fat, 83mg of cholesterol, 107mg of sodium, 0 carbs and 31.7 grams of protein. As you can see, salmon is low in cholesterol and sodium, but high in mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. These fats help reduce cholesterol levels so that you heart is healthy. Of course, you can't overlook that salmon is also low in calories and a great source of protein.

Personally, I love to sauté salmon in olive oil and season it with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. I serve it with a side of steamed vegetables. This makes the perfect lunch. I also enjoy sautéed salmon on a bed of romaine with a bit of parmesan and fat-free dressing. It also tastes great baked with a squeeze of lemon and a grind of black pepper from the pepper grinder. Of course, I do love salmon cakes, but deep frying the salmon sort of defeats the purpose of this heart healthy fish. The important thing is to not be afraid of salmon. It can be used to create several recipes. As long as you've got a great imagination or cookbook, the sky's the limit.

If you're worried about the cost, check your freezer section. I buy a one-pound bag, which contains four 4-ounce filets for around $5 at Wal-Mart. Regardless of where you get your salmon, it's one of the easiest ways to keep your heart healthy and your waistband tiny.

It's one of the easiest, budget-friendly fitness strategies on the planet, yet only some of us get into the habit of keeping up with a running routine to stay in shape. Running and speed walking are easy ways to get that heart pumping and burn off calories; the cardio machines at the gym are no match against a powerful running routine that includes a few lunges, squats and a solid stretching sequence.

If you're determined to jump into a fitness regimen this season, training yourself on a track or treadmill could be the key to fitness success. Here are some essential training tips to stay motivated and get in shape fast:

1. Pick out the right shoes. The right shoes will protect your feet and ankles and support your running ventures on any type of trail; if you're unsure about a certain style or design, get a professional fitting to determine your best size. Shoes that are too big or small will take their toll on your performance, so make sure the shoe truly fits so you can step up to the challenge like a pro.

2. Pack your running gear the night before. If you're committed to getting in shape, don't give yourself a chance to skip your routine in the wee morning hours. Pack your gear or set out your clothes for the morning as a motivation strategy. This move also ensures you have very few choices to make during your most vulnerable hour.

3. Eat like a champion (in the making). Stocking up on healthy snacks and eating at regular intervals throughout the day will put your energy level in high gear. You'll need to adopt this eating strategy for your new fitness undertaking, so make a plan that you can stick with for the long term. Fresh fruit, whole grains, lean protein and plenty of water are essential for your long-term success. Power up your days with the right foods and you'll find it easier to stick with a consistent running schedule.

Training your body and mind for a healthier lifestyle can be challenging, but preparation is key to your success. Get started on a running routine that will help you reach your fitness goals this year and beyond.

When your world seems a little too crazy, it's best to focus on the things you can control and try to let go of the rest. One huge thing that we can do to prevent a lot of our stress is to be as prepared as possible for any foreseeable problems. Oddly enough, most people don't prepare for possible downfalls and suffer tons of stress when something goes wrong as a result. Maybe it's because we don't like facing the uncertain. Or maybe it's because we're just too busy dealing with today. Whatever the reason, being prepared can reduce your stress and keep your family safe if anything should go wrong.

It's easy to feel completely powerless in everyday life. It feels like we don't control anything. Will we be employed next week? Will our stock-based investments ever go back up? What if our bank goes bankrupt? As individuals, our lack of control over all of this is frightening. But instead of focusing on what you can't control, ask yourself how you can be prepared to deal with those problems. Even if your job currently feels secure, update your resume and make sure at least one suit is at the ready for a job interview. Consult a financial adviser on the relative stability of your investments. It might be time to move them to a low-risk environment. If your savings is lacking, make a solid commitment to start adding to it with each paycheck. If things go wrong, you can start acting to fix them immediately. Not only will your big problems seem more manageable, but you'll have the added comfort of knowing you did everything you could to be prepared.

Do you take a multi-vitamin? If not, maybe you should. Americans live lifestyles that often prevent them from getting the nutrients they need. Of course, there are other reasons for taking multi-vitamins. Of course, it pays to take a vitamin that is made for your age and sex. In this week's blog, we'll discuss the various reasons why you should include a multi-vitamin in your daily routine.

I remember taking vitamins when I was little. Of course, those had cute shapes and tasted like various fruit flavors. It's really no wonder I got out of the habit of taking a daily vitamin. Many brands are the size of a horse pill, and if you ever get one stuck to your tongue, you'll find they taste nothing like fruit. Still, there have been three different occasions that doctors have recommended vitamins as part of my daily routine. First of all, I take a medication that increases my risk for osteoporosis. Many multi-vitamins include calcium, which makes it easier for me to get the high amount of calcium I need. Second, I was experiencing extreme tenderness in my breasts. My doctor recommended Vitamin E to help ease the pain. Last, but not least, I have an iron deficiency and must take a multi-vitamin to keep my iron count where it should be. These issues won't affect all of you, but what I'm trying to say is vitamins help you be healthier. Taking one multi-vitamin, rather than a handful of vitamins, just makes your life easier.

Multi-vitamins are certainly no excuse to stop trying to eat healthy. But, they do help you cover the basics. Of course, you need to make sure you choose a multi-vitamin that works best for you. With thousands of different varieties to choose from, this may take a bit of time and research. A great starting point is to choose a multi-vitamin that's made for your age and sex.

Once you've found the right vitamin. Just make sure you remember to take it each day. This can be hard to remember but adding it to your lunchbox makes it easier.

It's another year to set some health and fitness goals. Overcome you fear of the gym and embrace a healthier menu for a diet revamp. Setting new fitness resolutions for the year - and sticking with them long enough to turn them into habits - may be all you need to jumpstart that weight loss plan or get buff well before summer rolls around. But how do you kick things off on the right track? Try a brand new sport or activity so you're not bored with the usual gym routine right off the bat.

It's much easier to burn calories while undertaking a surfing adventure or practicing your skills on a skateboard than it is to push yourself to brink of boredom on the treadmill. Get going on a fun fitness plan that will keep you motivated for the months ahead.

Pick up some basics from the surf shop and hit the beach for some surfing lessons that will give you a total body workout. Surfing is a great sport for learning the art of balance and will challenge those abs and thighs more than any machine at the gym. Need another reason to hit the sand? It's an easy way to get buff and tan well before summer season makes its way into the schedule.

If you prefer outdoor activities in snowy territory, hit the slopes for a snowboarding adventure. Snowboarding is the anti-beach bum's surfing workout, a chance to slip, slide and navigate down challenging slopes while making the most of the total body workout. Just layer up with a puffy vest or jacket, insulated pants and a cozy beanie and you'll be well on your way to snowboarding success.

Love biking? Put your balancing and maneuvering skills to the test with a BMX circuit. BMX biking continues to be a popular extreme sport that will challenge your lower body and turn you into a speed demon in no time. Just get yourself a pair of hi-tops and lightweight clothing to hit the area bike ramp for your training session. You may need a few lessons from a BMX pro before you take on competitive challenge, but practice sessions will help you fine tune your skills and get those legs in great shape.

When a person doesn't get enough rest, their body isn't the only thing that's affected. Exhaustion affects you mentally, physically and emotionally. Not getting enough sleep influences your ability to make good decisions, react well to friends and family and perform well at work. It's harder to do anything well when you're tired. Here are three great tips for making sure you find enough time for rest in your busy schedule.

Schedule Your Sleep
Just like a business meeting, play dates or family dinners, try scheduling your sleep time. Taking care of yourself and your health is worth it! Every individual is different, and you probably know how much sleep you need to be at your best. Schedule a bedtime and set your alarm for a time that will allow you plenty of morning time to prepare for your day.

Create A Bedtime Routine
If you're like me, you can't go straight from cleaning the house to hitting the hay. Giving yourself time to wind down can help you fall asleep faster and have a more restful night's sleep. At least a half an hour before bedtime, start getting ready by changing into some cozy pajamas, slipping on a soft pair of slippers and grabbing a cup of hot cocoa.

Watch What You Eat
Before bedtime, at least! Although it sounds like common sense, it can be easy to slip up. For instance, I love sipping a can of soda while I watch a movie before bed, but caffeine and sugar can make it harder to rest soundly. You also might want to avoid drinking a lot of anything right before going to sleep to avoid sleep-disturbing bathroom breaks.

When you put yourself first and stay well rested, it's easier to handle whatever stress may come your way. With a little bit of planning and the right priorities, you can be in optimum shape every day.

While you may want to curl up and relax, it's important to keep your exercise program going during the winter months. After all, just think about how many more Holiday leftover sweets you can eat if you burn off the calories. In this week's blog, we'll discuss a few fun ways to burn calories this winter.

If you're a gamer, chances are you own a Nintendo Wii. If not, you really should consider it. Playing the Nintendo Wii will actually burn calories. Just 15 minutes of boxing on the Nintendo Wii burns 125 calories. This is the type of exercise you'll actually enjoy. If boxing isn't your cup of tea, play tennis. You can burn 92 calories every 15 minutes. Best of all, many of the Nintendo Wii games help you burn calories. For example, you'll burn hundreds of calories playing a couple hours worth of King of Fighters. Who said video games were bad for you? Get off the couch and burn some calories as you enjoy your favorite games.

Video games aren't for everyone. But most people do enjoy dancing. Dancing can be done inside your home as you watch TV or listen to music. You can even enjoy a romantic evening of slow dancing with your partner. Ten minutes of slow dancing will burn anywhere from 80 to 105 calories, depending on your weight. On the other hand, 10 minutes of fast-paced dancing will burn 94 to 124 calories. Dancing is not only a fun way to exercise on a cold winter's day, but it also tones your muscles leaving you with a fit body.

If you'd rather get outside and enjoy the weather, why not go skiing? Skiing is a wonderful way to burn calories. Depending on your weight, an hour's worth of downhill skiing will burn 340 to 510 calories. Best of all, it won't feel like exercise at all.

What are you waiting for? Enjoy an exercise that doesn't seem like exercise this winter.

It's about that time of year again, a time when holiday revelries and post-holiday resolutions are at the top of the agenda. If getting in shape or losing weight is on the New Year's resolutions list - for yet another year - make sure your plan of action has enough stick-with-it power so you can actually reach your goals. Here are some tips to get 2009 started off on the right track:

Skip the gym
Even the most committed fitness enthusiast can get bored of the gym routine, so avoid reaching a rut by trying something new and exciting. Hit the hiking trails with a backpackand boots for the afternoon and give those legs a workout they'll never forget. Or dust off that mountain bike and trek across your town or city for the weekend to take in some new scenes and benefit from the total body workout. Working out will feel less like a chore when you have some new activities to look forward to.

Hit the Ground Running with a Personal Trainer
Even if you're a pro with the weight machines and the treadmill at the local gym, working out with a personal trainer can give you some tips and guidance to perfect your technique. Make a commitment to work out with a personal trainer at least once per week or twice per month. They can support you in your efforts and introduce you to some new equipment and fitness activities.

Join a Sports Team
An easy way to stay active and skip the excuse-making for getting in shape this year is to join a local sports team. Whether you enjoy indoor soccer or a game of baseball, sign up to become a team player so you always have a few intensive workouts penciled into your weekly calendar. Playing sports is also much more fun than clocking in hours on an elliptical trainer or treadmill; pack up a duffel bag, get outside, socialize with friends and show off your skills with a fun and competitive activity!

Train for a Race
If you're a fan of running, speed walking or biking, make a commitment with a local charity or organization to raise money through a sponsored race. Races take place throughout the year, so you'll always have something to work toward. The event can become your New Year's resolution and will keep you motivated to get in shape.