Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

Headed over the river and through the woods? Well, unless you're jogging there, staying in shape during the holidays can be tricky. Chances are you're away from your routine, your gym, and your diet. But you don't have to let holiday travel trip up your healthy habits. Check out our top tips for staying fit while traveling.

* Estimates based on a 150-pound woman.

Ballroom Dance

"Ballroom dancing is a perfect holiday exercise because it's an indoor activity and it allows you to connect with someone else while burning calories and having fun," says Jonathan Roberts, a 'Dancing with the Stars' professional. He suggests pushing back the furniture, putting on ANY music you like and practicing some steps.

Calorie burn potential:
15 minutes of brisk dancing = 60 calories*

Pack a Pilates or Yoga DVD

Kimberly and Katherine Corp, of NYC's Pilates on Fifth, suggest packing a Pilates/Yoga DVD, a stretch band and 1-to-2 lb. weights. "You can do toning exercises when you wake up or before going to bed," says Katherine. "Grab your laptop and a patch of floor and replenish yourself," says Kimberly.

Calorie burn potential:
1 hour light toning/stretching = 100 calories*

Play with a Munchkin

Grab a child and play up a storm! "Kids need exercise too so you'll be doing each other a favor if you get active together," says Tim Moore, founder and CEO of WellKids. If it's snowing, make snowmen, go sledding or catch falling snowflakes on your tongues. Inside, try hide-and-seek, tag or hopscotch.

Calorie burn potential:
30 minutes of play = 130 calories*

Jump Rope

Portable and inexpensive, jump ropes are perfect for travel. "Because you're using all the major muscle groups when jumping rope, the amount of calories you can burn is phenomenal," says Marty Winkler, President of RopeSport. He suggests crossovers, straddles (like jumping jacks) and lunges (switching legs front to back).

Calorie burn potential:
15 minutes of continuous jumping = 190 calories*

Power Walk

"A fast walk can be fit in between helping bake cookies and playing with your nieces and nephews," says Therese Iknoian, author of Fitness Walking. "Even 5-10 minutes 2-4 times a day can help keep snacking urges in check and relieve stress." If alone, do some squats and lunges. If you're with family, be silly! March like you're in a parade or sing loudly.

Calorie burn potential:
15 minutes of walking (4.0 mph) = 68 calories*

Climb Stairs

"If you don't have a gym around, this is a cheap version of a stairmaster," says Tim Moore. Use the stairs as often as possible, or use the stairwell for a more structured workout -- you'll burn calories and tone your butt and thighs! Step up and down on the bottom stair like in step class, or hop up and down the stairs.

Calorie burn potential:
30 minutes stair running = 238 calories*