WHAT ARE SOME TIME- EFFICIENT HOLIDAY WORKOUTS? ASK THE FITNESS JEWELL !

QUESTION: I DON'T WANT TO SKIP WORKING OUT DURING THE HOLIDAYS, BUT MY GYM TIME WILL BE CUT IN HALF. HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF IT? Have no fear! Tight schedules aren't a reason to become a fitness Grinch, but rather an opportunity to be more efficient with your training. This is a good thing! Step one: Toss aside the mentality that if you don't have an hour or more to do a "full" workout, then you should bypass the gym altogether. You're dedicated, focused and work hard the other 11 months out of the year, so why press "pause" now? Embrace this challenge, and you'll cruise right into next year without having to put "lose holiday weight" at the top of your resolutions list. I know that for many of you, juggling your normal work schedule, family life, and festivity-packed calendar will mean you won't even have time to go to the gym. So my gift to you comes in the form of three workouts that can be done in the comfort of your own home in 40 minutes or fewer. All you need is space to move and the most basic equipment, and you'll be able to blast calories and maintain your strength while those protein treats are baking in the oven.

CARDIO WORK-IT CIRCUIT: No gym? No problem! This fast-paced, fun, and efficient workout can be done at home or outside (weather permitting), and it doesn't require any machines. It's custom-made for whenever you have a spare 20-30 minutes, but no more. Just clear out a small space at home and work it! UPPER-BODY ANNIHILATION: Don't let the name scare you! This workout includes an assortment of essentials for upper-body sculpting but doesn't require a bunch of equipment. If you can't get to the gym but have a stability ball and either dumbbells or a resistance band at home, you can perform this workout between holiday gift wrapping and whipping up a batch of protein eggnog. If you don't have those things, consider asking the Santa in your life to come early!

LIVING ROOM LOWER-BODY BLAST: Steer clear of the Christmas tree or holiday decorations and get ready to work it! There's no need for the leg press, leg extension, or other machines when you can bust out these fun and effective exercises at home with just as much—if not more—intensity!

If you have dumbbells at home, feel free to use them to increase the challenge, but this workout can be done without any additional equipment. With the cardio bursts included throughout the workout, you get twice the workout in half the time!