By Natalie Vavricka, Nubella News

Not everyone has the time, money, or desire to hit the gym. But it’s possible to counteract the damage from your festive feasting even without running laps or lifting weights. So, if your diet derails this holiday season but hitting the gym isn't an option, don't panic. 

According to Robert Reames, celebrity fitness trainer, nutritionist, and co-creator of the MIO 3500 Calorie Countdown, these seasonal (and sometimes even tedious) activities are calorie blasters—and you’re probably doing them already.

1. Shoveling Snow. If your driveway or sidewalk needs shoveling, resist the temptation to hand off this chore to someone else. Yes, it can be annoying and time consuming, but the tradeoff is worth it. One hour’s worth of shoveling snow can burn up to 600 calories—the equivalent of two slices of pumpkin pie.

2. Cleaning the House. No one will deny that the mere mention of this phrase invokes dread.  Fortunately, if you’re looking for an efficient way to combine working out with doing chores, cleaning the house for company is a winner. One hour of bending down to reach for dust, getting spots under the sofa, and vacuuming the entire house is a total body workout that can burn approximately 200 to 300 calories.

3. Food Shopping. Most of us hate going to the supermarket, but lugging groceries (especially a 20-pound frozen turkey), reaching and bending for items off the shelves, and racing around the store can incinerate calories. In one hour, you can burn up to 300; even more if you choose a parking spot that’s further away.

4. Decorating the House. A sweaty hour of climbing up and down ladders and hoisting strings of lights and garlands can burn more calories than going to the gym—decking your halls for an hour will burn 250 to 300.

More Winter Workouts
And if you have some extra time and want to boost your calorie burn potential even more? Certified Personal Trainer Tracey Staehle suggests ice skating and running/walking intervals. “Ice skating is a great way to improve core strength and balance while getting a good workout,” says Staehle.

Want a more traditional workout?  “Put on your headphones, listen to your favorite playlist, and do run/walk intervals,” she suggests. “Run for three minutes, walk for one minute, and repeat. Do this for an hour and change it up every few minutes by running longer, shorter, faster or slower.”

Related Links:

Ask the Nutritionist: Holiday Weight Gain

Holiday Splurges: How to Reduce the Damage

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