http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSV3fGVbG6DEkPE3Mv5XW_urhvF2vVfBBz49ayWsVfbgrlLbm8BCQWe are clearly a divided nation about many things and one of them is how to treat this week regarding eating and exercise.  Some feel that we might as well wait for the 2nd of January to get on (or back on) track with healthy eating and and our exercise plan.  Half of us decided that we have a week in between the Christmas (and this year, Hanukkah) holiday and the New Year's holiday (which let's face it, is mostly about a few hours on New Year's eve).

Regulars at the gym are divided, too, as many are out of town or just taking a week to kick back and relax before diving into a new year of work, school, etc.  I was happy to see at least half my regulars at the 8:30am class yesterday and a full house at the 11:30 SilverSneakers class.  We all need to do what works best for us....BUT...there is clearly NO coincidence that those that jump right back on track look and feel awesome.  One example is Charlotte,  who turns 93 in just a few weeks...she says she'll always be found at the gym (unless she's at the casino or visiting with the great-grand babies)  even  if we have to carry her up the stairs....She screams "happy, healthy and terrific," from every fiber of her being.

Clearly, not everyone is a Charlotte.  We all have it in us, though, to find something that makes us want to move.  Maybe this is a week to break away from routine, but surely we can all find 30 minutes to do something that makes us feel good.   Exercise is the best stress reliever and the perfect way to help sweat out some of the toxins we have been ingesting.   Perhaps putting on a dvd and de-stressing in the privacy of your home would be a welcome change.  Maybe you have an old favorite workout, like Tao-bo or Buns of Steel that would revisit...or a yoga dvd that you got for Christmas,,, Maybe turning on your favorite dance music and dancing like no one is watching would not only burn calories and feel like anything but exercise, but put a big smile on your face.  If you live in a climate like I am lucky to live in (and appreciate EVERY day) a brisk walk is sure to benefit much more than your waistline.  These are just a few ideas, but I know you get what I am saying.  JUST DO SOMETHING.

I'll be training with my extremely motivated clients today and though my 11:30 am SilverSneakers class and both of my evening classes are cancelled tonight, I will be at the gym for a 10am SilverSneakers class.  I hope that you can find the time and the motivation to get your peaceandfitness in this week...Exercise, not just good for the body, but definitely for the soul, too.