Your Health: Holiday hurdles

A holy workout

You won't forget the reason for the season sweating along with Jimmy Pena's “Prayfit: 33-Day Total Body Challenge” ($15, Lionsgate). His pitch: If Jesus could give us 33 years, you can give 33 minutes a day — of body weight-based strength training, cardio, abs work and stretching, according to The Washington Post.

The moves (squats, push-ups, jumping jacks, planks) on this DVD are basic but effective. And he delivers an impressive sermon that quotes C.S. Lewis and explains why God wants you to be hot. Talk about motivation!

Prepare yourself

It's here. That year-end onslaught of cookies, candy, cakes and calories. Who better to offer weight-control advice than people who have lost a lot of weight and kept it off?

The Washington Post talked to members of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club, a support group for those trying to lose weight, share lessons they have learned to keep from backsliding, especially this time of year:

• Plan ahead.

• Enjoy what you eat.

• Focus on friends, watch where you stand.

• Stash snacks with you at all times.

• Be a designated driver to avoid empty calories in alcohol.

• Stick to your rules.

• Share your secret. Tell the world that you're trying to watch your weight.

• Keep water handy.

• Pick your parties.

• Make home a junk-free zone.

• Walk it off.

• Have faith in yourself.

Then watch yourself!

The Washington Post says, that research has shown that the average person gains a little over a pound during the holiday season. That doesn't sound too bad, except that research also shows people don't tend to lose that extra pound.

Over time, it can add up to substantial weight gain.