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.

When the holiday season calls for late-night dining, extra-large servings of festive treats and little time to head to the gym, livening up your fitness routine might help ward off any holiday pounds and relieve a little stress in the process. The holidays leave most of us with 5 to 10 pounds of extra baggage to be dealt with in the New Year, but you don't need to carry that extra weight when you have a fitness plan by your side. A few tweaks to your schedule are all it really takes to keep your health and fitness goggles planted firmly in position when the dessert tray rolls around.

Invest in a snazzy new gym bag to recommit to your fitness purpose. A stylish bag gives you a chance to show off the latest trends at the gym and may even prompt you to pack it up with your essential gear during a busy week. Pick up something fresh and trendy like the Columbia Metropolis Cybersling or the PUMA Runway Grip Bag and you might be inspired to head out to the gym more often than not.

Pick up a pair of cross trainers and join an indoor sports team in your neighborhood for a fun, stress-free way to burn off a few calories. Indoor sports like soccer and indoor tennis are great ways to relieve stress and work on your skills; a friendly game with the neighbors or a local team can keep you motivated to move, even in the midst of the holiday frenzy.

Ready to dance? Put on your dancing shoes for a tap or jazz session at your local community center and easily burn a few hundred calories per hour. You can jump and jive to your favorite tunes and pick up a few dancing skills in the process. A fresh new dance routine is a great way to keep moving during 'couch-potato' season. Plus, you'll have a chance to show off your moves at the next holiday party!

If going to the gym during holiday season just isn't making it on your to-do list, there are plenty of alternative ways to get up and get moving so you can stay in shape. Indoor sports and dance classes are just a few options. Think of creative ways to stay fit and healthy this season so you can ward off those holiday pounds.