If the daily exercise routine has taken a nosedive in the midst of holiday revelries, there's still time to commit to fitness resolutions you made so eagerly at the turn of the New Year... so you can trim down for the oncoming year.

Getting and staying in shape over the holidays can be a one of the biggest challenges of the season - even more challenging than getting that holiday gift list in order and battling the crowds during the pre-holiday mall chaos - so you'll need a plan to get through the season without piling on the pounds. If you're in dire need of a quick winter workout, add some of these shape-up strategies to your weekly schedule:

Become a Crack-of-Dawn Master
When the daily schedule is booked solid, being an early riser can give you a much-needed head start on the day's events. Wake yourself up with an invigorating workout and you'll be well on your way to a successful day. Head outdoors for a quick run or pack up that duffel bag for a quick circuit training session at the gym so you can greet the sunrise and get that workout off the to-do list.

Team up with a Fitness Buddy
Working out with someone else holds you accountable for your gym appointment, walking session or other physical activities you know you should be doing but just seem to be ignoring lately. Team up with a friend, coworker or family member to log time doing some form of exercise together. Having someone counting on you to get off that couch may very well make your fitness resolutions for the year.

Mall Walk for the Calorie Burn
If you're intent on shopping up a storm this holiday season, a good portion of your shopping time might involve trekking across the mall in search of the latest sales and specials. Make a date with your walking shoes and head out on an early-morning mall walking session to map out your plan. This will give you a chance to catch a glimpse of sales and offers in store windows. When push comes to shove on sale day, you'll have a shopping route ready to go!

As the holiday season hits a high note and your day is packed with errands, gift shopping and preparations for the family dinner, squeezing in a workout might seem like an impossible feat. However, keeping up with your health and fitness resolutions for the season might help you blast through the holidays and lower your stress levels; kicking it up a notch at the gym helps release endorphins - your body's natural painkillers - allowing you to literally sweat away your cares and release tension from that jam-packed schedule. Keep up with your workout circuit this holiday season with these simple tips:

1. Stock up on water. 'Water, water, everywhere,' should be your mantra as you go about your busy day trying to keep those energy levels running in high gear. Make sure you take a water bottle along with you on that trip to the gym and keep up with your daily 10-12 glasses by sipping on water throughout the day.

2. Pack the gym bag the night before. If you make going to the gym a last-minute decision in the morning, you're less likely to stick with a consistent routine. Pack your gym bag with all the essentials each evening so you only have to grab the bag and go in the wee hours of the morning.

3. Layer it up right. If you're skipping the gym in favor of a walking or jogging session in the great outdoors, make sure you're layering up with some cold weather basics to keep your body in good shape for the long haul. A long-sleeve mesh crew top, a couple of comfy sweatshirts and other layering pieces will help your body stay warm and protect you from the elements on that brisk winter day.

As always, makes sure you start and end your workout with a brief stretching session and give your muscles a chance to get stronger and reduce the risk of injury.

You can combat holiday stress like a pro with some simple fitness strategies. Plan ahead and stick with those workouts for a healthy and happy holiday season. At the very least, the extra workouts will let you justify that second helping of dessert.