If holiday travel plans will be keeping you far from the gym and exercise equipment this season, you'll need to come up with some creative ways to stay buff while on the road. While some hotels will have a fitness center on site, you may not have time to coordinate your schedule to keep up with your usual workout routine. Fear not, there is a way to stay fit without sabotaging your travel itinerary. Here are some easy ways to stay fit when you hit the road for the holidays:

1. Incorporate walking into your schedule. Whether you start off the day with a walk with family, or head out after lunch or dinner for a brisk walk around the block, get into the habit of walking off a few calories each day to keep your heart and mind healthy. Walking is a no-fuss workout routine that can help you stay in great shape all season long. Plus, it's a fun activity to do with friends and family. Just pack a good pair of walking shoes and you'll be ready to go.

2. Pack a set of resistance bands. If you know you're going to be stuck at a hotel for a few days, add some strengthening and toning sessions into your day with a set of resistance bands. Resistance bands can be used in a myriad of ways to tighten and tone core muscle groups, and they can be easily packed into your suitcase or tote for the long haul.

3. Do yoga in the morning and/or before bed. Deep yoga stretches will help you stay toned and limber throughout the season, and yoga exercises can help to increase circulation and reduce stress. Undertake a yoga session each morning or evening during your holiday travels to better manage your day and enjoy some much-needed exercise.

Staying buff and trim during the holiday season can be a challenge, and when you're traveling a lot, you may not be putting exercising at the top of your agenda. Integrate some of these exercises into your travel plans so you can stay in great shape through the holidays, and beyond.

Many health problems associated with Americans are often caused by stress. Stress causes people to overeat, raises blood pressure, and sometimes causes heart attacks. How can you reduce your stress levels without resorting to expensive medications or therapy? There are actually several different ways to reduce stress levels that are free. This week, let's talk about reducing stress levels with methods that are free and easy to execute.

Believe it or not, exercise is a wonderful way to beat stress. Some people enjoy quiet walks around the neighborhood, while others prefer a punching bag. Both methods are a wonderful way to reduce stress. Not to mention that they also burn calories. The exact method you use will usually depend on your stress level. If your stress is brought on by worrisome thoughts a calm walk to think things through may be best. On the other hand, if your boss is being a complete jerk, a punching bag works really well.

Another way to reduce stress is to write down your thoughts. Sometimes just getting your thoughts down on paper can make you feel much better. For example, let's say someone has upset you, but you know you can't tell them exactly how you feel. Writing a letter to that person let's you get out all your steam and frustration. Later, you can burn the letter and all the stress that went along with it. Journals are also a good way to express your feelings. Writing in a journal each day gives you a chance to look back and see where the stress is coming from. If you start to see a pattern, or even a time when the stress started, you can pinpoint what's bothering you.

Last, but not least, take a tip from the physiologists and try meditation or visualization. Meditation is when you focus on one thing for a certain period of time so that you can escape the hectic world around you. For example, you may focus on your breathing. Visualization on the other hand is when you picture yourself in a calmer place or something that makes you happy. For example, I often close my eyes and picture myself in a cabin in the snowy mountains of Colorado.

When you're sitting behind a computer all day or are stuck behind a desk for hours on end, the seated position will take its toll on your posture. Stretching throughout the day can help improve circulation and keep your energy levels up. Stretching is especially important if you're trying to keep up with your get-fit routine; if you do manage to sneak off for a workout during lunch hour, or snag a break in the mid-afternoon for a power walk, stretching your arms and legs properly will reduce the risk of injury and keep you strong and healthy. Here are some easy stretching routines you can do behind your desk, any time of day:

Lower Arm Stretch: Interlace your fingers and push your arms out in front of you. Tense your upper back and shoulder blades, and continue pushing forward until you feel your back muscles contract. Hold for 10-15 seconds at a time, and repeat.

Oblique Stretch: Extend your arms overhead and hold one hand with the other while pulling your body to the side. Hold for 15 seconds, inhale and exhale, then do the same to the other side. This is a great way to stretch at your waist and elongate your torso.

Ankle Rotations: Sit with square shoulders and feet slightly apart. Lift one leg up about a foot from the ground and rotate your ankles clockwise for 20 revolutions and counterclockwise for 20 revolutions. Repeat with the other leg.

Upper Back Stress Buster: A great one if you're hunched over a computer keyboard or laptop for most of the day; interlace your fingers behind your head and make sure your elbows are pointing straight out. Push your elbows back to make your shoulder blades contract, and hold the muscles in a tense position for at least 10 seconds before relaxing. Repeat 2-3 times.

Shoulder Stretch: Hunch your shoulders tightly up towards your neck and hold for 15 seconds before releasing. Repeat for 10 seconds, and release. This will help loosen up your upper back and tense neck muscles.

Don't forget to drink lots of water throughout the day, since this also keeps your energy levels up when you're in a seated position for most of the day. And, be sure to pack those walking shoes for those opportune moments where you can squeeze in a workout during your break.