As we pencil in one more holiday party on our crammed December calendars, it's time to face the dieting music -- you may not drop those 10 pounds in time for the little red dress. But it's not a total lost cause, Fitness Magazine offers this informative slideshow of nine yoga and pilates stretches to instantly deliver a visually longer, leaner you:

• Beginner: Seated Spinal Twist, Hands Clasped, Gentle Cobra
• Intermediate: Cat Cow, Locust, Head-to-Knee
• Advanced (work carefully into these poses, they are demanding): Prayer Twist (ahh, love these), Bow Pose, Lifted Backbend

Ever notice confident people appear taller? That'll be you at the holiday party if you keep up the strengthening stretches. Even better, don't overdo it on the egg nog, visit the gym once for every cookie gorge between now and New Years Eve, keep Holidashing and you'll officially drop those 10 pounds before the ball drops. That's the night to wear the little red dress anyway.

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Women's Health magazine just sent me a release with some fun tips entailed, and I thought I'd share this one with you. Four fabulous moves useful for those of you guilty of missing morning workouts to sleep in late, and then missing the gym after work due to fatigue. As your online trainer I want to make this clear to you: skipping your workouts on a regular basis is detrimental to your health!

Of course, early morning workouts can be tough. They're also what keeps you full of the energy you need to get through each day with vigor! Check out this gallery, and next time you go to hit the snooze button ... get your fanny up and do the Cat Cow pose instead. (No moo-ing necessary!) These four easy moves will give you the energy to get to the gym and start your day off right!

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