Happy Monday after Thanksgiving! Two weeks ago, I warned you that things were going to get just a little bit crazy right about now. Did you believe me?

I also gently suggested that you either pick up the pace on your current workout or attempt some new moves that would add intensity to your current program. Did you do that?

Hmm. I’m guessing that with the time crunch and added activities that the holidays bring, you somehow may have overlooked the main message of that article, which was to start working out now instead of waiting for the all-too-familiar resolution push in January. I know that it may seem ludicrous to even suggest that you take on one extra thing now, at the end of November. It’s not easy for me either, but I can tell you that without the rush of endorphins that a great workout or run bring, I don’t think that I could make it through the next month in any kind of healthy or sane fashion.

If you want to turn that statement around on me and say that if you have to add working out to your “to-do” list, you will end up neither healthy nor sane, that’s OK. Trainers are used to excuses!

Shortcuts

So let’s use some visualization for our motivational needs and think about all of the delicious things that you ate and drank last week, and all of the deliciousness that will remain accessible for the next month. Lots of parties. Lots of cute, little appetizers. Lots of festive beverages. (And, YES, they count!) Eat, drink and be merry! All so that you can feel overweight, out of shape and flab-ulous as the new year begins! Cheers to that!

Or you can work with me now and thank yourself later, simply because taking care of yourself physically and mentally is the best gift you can give to yourself, your families and your friends this season.

That being said, it’s time to let go of some of your conventional thoughts — and excuses — regarding workouts.

You may not have time to get to the gym. It may be too cold for you to run or walk outdoors. You have exactly 15 minutes between cooking dinner and leaving for your other job as piano-lesson taxi. None of those matter.

This week I’m giving you some shortcuts that are only cheating time. You don’t need to go to the gym or be outside. You can even do some exercises while you are slaving over the stove. I know. I’ve done that many times.

Doing something is better than doing nothing. Trainers will tell you that five exercises done correctly will do more for you than 15 done incorrectly. Who said that more is better?!

Time for action

I have something for you — something that you are really going to like. It’s a small gift, but, if used correctly, it can be quite powerful. Some of you are familiar with it already, and know that I don’t give one out often, but ’tis the season, after all.

I have your Cheat Sheet. Yes, cheat. I am results-driven, but I’m also a realist. I spend a lot of time listening to clients, and the top two reasons that people fail in their fitness goals are that they have no time and that working out is boring.

And they’re right. Lack of time is a no-brainer, and if you are not already in shape, exercising is right up there next to cleaning a bathroom. Fun stuff. I agree with you.

But I don’t really care. This is a column about fitness and health and wellness, and we all want to be fit and healthy and well. Who doesn’t?

Enough rhetoric. It’s time for action. Find your cheat below and get inspired to do it. If you are working out already, keep at it and push yourself through. If you are just beginning, congratulations and welcome! You CAN make changes. Get ready to Go!

No Time Cheat Sheet

Use these moves as a foundation for your workout and for time-pressed days. 2 sets of 12.

• Standing leg lifts: Leg lifts are one of the most common exercises for the glutes and the outer thighs and a great way to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee. The standing version is preferable because it works both legs as well as the core, while building balance and stability. Hold onto a wall or chair for balance if needed.
• Shift your weight to the right leg and, without tilting the torso, lift the left leg straight out the side until you feel a contraction in the glutes. You may only need to lift the leg a few inches.
• The foot should be flexed, and your hip, knee and ankle should be in alignment and pointing in the same direction (to the front of the room).
• Lower the leg without resting it on the floor.

FIT TIP: Don’t turn the leg up as you lift it. Instead keep the knee pointing forward. This will shorten your range of motion, but keep the work in the outer thigh and glutes.

Avoid tipping to the side as you lift the leg. Use your abs to brace your body or hold onto a chair for added stability.

• Stability ball crunches
• Lunge with bicep curl or overhead press.