Put down the silverware & pick up the iron: try these exercise to trim away those holiday feast

Men's Fitness, Jan, 2005

The holiday season is approaching. It's a time when most people relax from their diet and exercise plans to give in to holiday feasts. The turkey, stuffing, and potatoes--you know the routine. The holidays are all about traveling from house to house, eating meal after meal of the same fatty foods. Not to mention the countless parties you'll be attending, with holiday cocktails and over-the top appetizers. Before you know it, you'll be the one who looks like he should be coming down the chimney.

Grab your weight by the love handles and do something about it. One of the more effective ways to lose those extra pounds is to consider a weight-loss supplement along with your diet and exercise routine. We'll get into which one you should consider a little bit later.

LOST THE LOVE FOR LOVE HANDLES?

Ah, the unmistakable spare tire around the waist. It goes by many names, but one thing always remains the same: Getting rid of it is no easy task. Sure, you can hide it under your seasonal sweaters and winter parkas, but why hide it when you can get rid of it?

Doing cardio training and ab exercises is the key to losing that jolly old belly in no time. You want to incorporate at least 30 minutes of cardio into your daily routine. This will help you shed the extra pounds.

If you're tired of your gym, be creative in finding new ways to do cardio training so that your routine won't get boring. For instance, instead of driving to work, try walking, running--heck, even snowshoeing (not recommended if you live in Miami). Or New Yorkers can try to keep up with the horse-and-carriage rides that people take in the park this time of year. Not only will that help your cardio, but you might get some romantic tips too. When the snow finally hits and you're stuck for cardio ideas, try offering to carry kids back up to the top of your local tobogganing hill. Just watch out for the big kids; they can be a little heavy and hard on your back (remember to keep your knees bent). You're more likely to do routines that are fun and different than the same old boring things day in and day out. It's all about having a routine that isn't routine.

FLYES

A great chest is a must-have to accompany a great set of abs. When you're lowering the weights, let your arms go parallel to the ground. Hold it for a few seconds before bringing them straight up and together. This will force your pecs to do the work. The key here is good form, not how much you can lift.

LUNGES

Lunges are a great way to tighten your butt and hamstrings. Hold your weights at your side and step forward, bringing one knee to within an inch of the floor. Hold it for a few seconds and then stand up with both feet together. You can switch legs each rep, or do one full set with the same leg, and then switch legs.

BALL CRUNCHES

Carefully lay your back on the ball so that you are balanced comfortably. Keep your back and head straight. Place your hands loosely behind your head and proceed to execute a crunch by contracting your abdominal muscles. Be careful not to pull on your head with your hands. For extra stability, widen your stance.

CARDIO

It's a must in all exercise programs in order to lose the weight. Choose the machine that you like best and use it for at least 30 minutes with variation in speed. If using a computerized machine, set a variation in resistance for greater muscle fatigue. If your stationary bike isn't computerized, try standing up for a portion to get that burn.

TALK ABOUT RESULTS

If you want serious weight-loss results like losing 2 to 3 times the weight than with diet and exercise alone, maybe you should consider a weight-loss supplement like HYDROXYCUT[R]. For instance, in two 8-week studies in which all groups followed a diet and exercise plan, subjects using the primary ingredients in HYDROXYCUT (HCA extract, chromium, and Gymnema Sylvestre Extract) lost, on average, significantly more weight than subjects using a placebo (14.96 vs. 3.06 lbs. and 12.55 vs. 3.51 lbs.). If these studies don't convince you, just look at Jon Marshall. While your results will vary, he looks great after losing 29 pounds and 5.5 inches off his waist in just 8 weeks with the help of HYDROXYCUT and other MuscleTech[R] supplements in his fitness plan. Just be sure to read the entire label and carefully follow the labeled directions before use.

GET YOUR SIX-PACK NOW!

The part that everyone has trouble with when it comes time to working on the midsection is doing the exercises. Unfortunately, abs don't come for free. They're hard work to get, and no, Santa won't be bringing you some for Christmas. The truth is that you have to get down and do your crunches and other abdominal exercises to see the results. But there is hope. Don't let a layer of unwanted fat ruin your dreams of having a washboard stomach. If you stay focused, work out regularly, eat a nutritious diet, and use HYDROXYCUT, you'll be showing off your own six-pack before it's time to open your presents!

If you want a great source of exercises to help you with your weight loss or perhaps some meal suggestions to help you organize a diet plan, visit hydroxycut.com. This Web site is loaded with all kinds of great information for almost everyone, from those who are just starting out to advanced athletes looking for an extra edge.