Now that the holidays are just around the corner, you may have to break up with your regularly scheduled sweat sessions, at least temporarily. There are so many parties to attend, relatives and friends to meet, and yes, shopping to do that you just might find yourself unable to make time for the gym or your regular exercise class. 

This time of the year might interfere with your zumba class or kickboxing routine (and you’ll most likely be eating quite a bit), but it’s possible to stay fit. All you really need is an Internet connection and a little living room space. Thanks to these great (and free) YouTube videos, this Dashain and Tihar you needn’t feel like a bloated balloon. 

The festive season is the perfect time for a YouTube workout, and I’ve found a few that are both decently fun and super effective at the same time. I would also recommend the fitness board on Pinterest for those looking for quick home workouts. There is a lot of amazing content on Pinterest and you can choose a workout that best suits your needs. But if you are feeling lazy to do the research yourself, here are my recommendations to get you started. 

Jillian Michaels: Banish fat, boost metabolism complete workout

The queen of lean, Jillian Michaels brings her tough training to YouTube. This total-body workout includes seven cardio strength-training circuits created to strengthen and tone every single muscle. She says if you’re not winded, you are not working hard enough. So you can bet you’re in for a serious sweat session. Micheals workouts are strenuous and effective but don’t over do it. Stick to the instructions in her videos and you should be good. 

7-minute workout: Full-body, fat-burning cardio

This video is proof that you don’t need to hit the gym—or have a ton of time or space—for a truly killer workout. Speed through this routine when your schedule is packed, and don’t worry: With exercises like one-legged squats and moving planks (and only 10 seconds of rest between each), you won’t be missing out on any muscle-building benefits. There is also an app by the same name that you can download for free. 

Total-body sculpting resistance band workout

If you are traveling this holiday season, then this workout is just right for you. If there’s one travel-friendly workout tool, it’s the resistance band. Not only does it weigh next to nothing and take up little room in your bag, it’s also super versatile. This workout combines strength movements, like rear lunges with a rotation, with heart rate-boosting exercises for a routine that will challenge your entire body. With just a single piece of equipment, there is so much you can do to get a good workout. 

Chair workout for legs

If you are traveling this Dashain/Tihar and don’t want to carry even a resistance band then this should be your go-to video. It’s possible to give your lower body a good workout using nothing but your own body weight and a chair. Yes, a chair. And since this exercise is just 10 minutes long, you can squeeze this in at anytime during the day. Let Natalie Jill show you just how to give your legs a complete workout with just a chair. 

Easy zumba class 

For those of you who take zumba classes, it really can’t get better and easier than this. These awesome zumba workout videos make for the best excuse to dance around your living room – not that you really need an excuse to dance in your living room but still.  The steps are easy to follow and I guarantee that you’ll pick up some great moves while you are at it. So there should really be no stopping you from putting on one of the amazing videos on YouTube and dancing to your hearts content. 

Flexibility and range of motion: Beginner yoga with Tara Stiles

This yoga instructor will make you fall in love with your body. Though this is perfect for newbies to yoga before you are ready to go to a public class, it is also an easy to follow nice routine to do first thing in the morning. I have been doing this for a while now and the 10 minutes Stiles asks for are perhaps the best 10 minutes of my workout time. I recommend you do this after you wake up and use it as an add-on to other home based workouts. But Stiles helps you incorporate yoga into your daily routine – from morning yoga to start your day refreshed to bedtime yoga to help you score a good night’s sleep, so feel free to choose according to what works best for you.

Victoria’s secret arms

A friend of mine swears by this video. She does it every single day and recommends it to everyone she meets. Even if you aren’t as self-conscious about your arms as she is, you’ll probably love it. This 10-minute arm workout with Victoria’s Secret model trainer, Andrea Orbeck is all you really need to get super toned arms. All you need is some dumbbells and the mental strength to endure the workout if you haven’t lifted anything heavy in a while. 

Disclaimer: I am not a fitness expert. I’m just someone who has worked hard to lose weight. I have consulted a dietician friend to find out what works for me, and suggest you do the same. I’m only sharing my weight loss experience through The Week and trying to motivate you all to adopt a healthy lifestyle. It’s always best to get an experts advice before beginning a diet and workout plan. Stop exercising if you experience pain during the workout. Also never reduce your calorie intake to less than 1000. 
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