By By Janet Peterman – Special to The Standard
The average American gains seven to 10 pounds between Halloween and New Years Day.  Our Brewton Area YMCA members are certainly not average.  Here are their best fit tips for the holiday season:
Liz Garrett: Don't stop exercising!
Vivian Layton: Give all the goodies to the YMCA &#8220coffee table” and walk 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening everyday.
Dan Shaddock: Do strength work to build muscle fiber which, in turn, burns calories.  (turkey, ham, dressing, pie, etc.).
Joseph Bailey: Just because you see a ton of food, doesn't mean you have to eat it all.  Eat until you are satisfied, not till when you can't move. But enjoy.
Jim Peach: Don't give up your workout. Find yourself a partner and don't let each other down.
Sarah Hines: Use portion control.
Julie Boshell: Don't use the holidays as an excuse not to exercise.
Emmie Jernigan: From Christmas Eve to New Years day, allow only 2 or 3 &#8220splurge” meals and exercise throughout.
Karen Reynolds: Do your pushups by pushing yourself away from the table.
Janet Peterman: Challenge yourself to keep up your workout routine and not let any excuses get in the way.
Park the furthest (instead of circling the parking lot for hours) away from the shopping malls and walk to the stores.
Do not starve yourself before the &#8220big meal”, eat sensibly beforehand so that you are not starving.
If you feel the holiday crunch may be something that will cause you to gain extra pounds, consider these tips. Planning your holiday food consumption is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
If you think you will have some problems from all the holiday festivies, call me at 363-5658 and see how we can get your fitness program started before you gain the dreaded seven to 10 pounds.