People often ask how us fitness instructor types stay motivated over Christmas... I am sure there are many in the fitness industry that remain virtuous throughout the holiday season, keeping their scorched almond consumption to single figures and nipping off for a quick jog between courses. Me? I can eat all I like AND get the most awesome workout that straight people can only dream about. It's called the "Family Christmas Workout". With just a CRV packed with Xmas presents and your folks in a different city you too can enjoy an easy Christmas workout with no effort. The first Christmas workout arrives soon after the early morning road trip north begins. Some strenuous yoga style breathing exercises take place once it's decided that it's time for a morning coffee. Of course having made it out of the big smoke choices are limited (cupachinno or expresso Sir?) If you are traveling with your beloved you will be hoping to win the coin toss and get to stay in the car breathing deeply whilst your significant other gets a cardio workout avoiding stares from the early morning folk who think diversity is a flash hot water system. Mid morning is time to slip into a second workout, cardio for everyone in the car this time with the (da da da dat da da) small town toilet stop! The fitter amongst us have the advantage of speed on our side but all of us are aiming to get through this routine in the fastest possible time. Preparation is essential. First, the sit and wait until the nice lady heads off and the group of boys loads back into the Torana and hoon down the road. Then it's run Forrest run…. For us girls it's a quick dash into the cubicle before anyone can direct you towards the gents, then back to the car to lock the doors and sit and wait while the girlfriend repeats the exercise. Boys- no side ways glances and avoid eye contact with anyone! Assuming you make it through all the small towns along the way without being stoned by the locals (brace your abdominals as the car lurches side to side missing projectiles for extra ab toning) you arrive at our destination and Christmas! And finally, with your strength and cardio workout taken care of, it's time to finish off with some flexibility training. For this you need look no further than Christmas dinner. With your great Aunt positioned on one side of you through the main course you'll get a good side stretch as you try to dodge her questions regarding why you haven't had any children yet. Swap to the other side of the table before dessert and you can stay limber through the other side as your uncle compliments you on that lovely young man you've managed to snap up (No Uncle Trevor, that's Jo, she's a girl!). Exhausting stuff!! And the best bit- you don't even have to pack your gym gear! Julz Darroch is a Wellington-based Personal Trainer and Fitness Educator who uses her 15 years experience in the fitness industry as an excuse to regularly torture Steve Gray and the Good Morning team live on TVOne. She'll be back on screen when the show returns in 2009. Send your fitness-related questions and personal training enquiries to julzdarroch@actrix.co.nz, and there's more GayNZ.com fitness advice from Julz on the links below. Julz Darroch - 19th December 2008