When I get back to my routine will I have to start over? That is, will I get very out of shape by being away from exercise for a few months?

Upon receiving the above question, I decided that this would be a good opportunity to discuss "Fitness Damage Control." There are times - like the holidays, vacations, and other pressing commitments - when we feel that we are forced to put our exercise routine on hold.

Even though, as mentioned in the question, we are busy rushing around and feel that we are getting a good workout, it still will not be as effective as a regular exercise routine.

Yes, being away from exercise for "a few months" comes with backsliding and negatives. Even being away from exercise for a week or two can start the loss of lean muscle mass.

The other downside is that once we get out of the habit of exercise, it is doubly hard to get back to it. The good news, however, is that when we restart an exercise routine, we will become fit more quickly than the first time around. It is amazing, but muscles have a memory and we will find it easier to develop them again.

Following are some tips for staying in shape when facing time challenges, either during the holidays or because of other circumstances:

Take every opportunity to add physical activity to your daily routine

Park a distance from the stores, do squats and lunges when vacuuming, take the stairs instead of the elevator - use your creativity to move and have fun.

If there is any way to get to the gym (even for only a half hour) and work on machines, do it.

Two years ago I was on a jury for three and a half weeks. Generally, I teach and take part in 11 classes a week, so this was a huge change. Even though I am not keen on using machines, I forced myself to go to the gym in the evening. I would also jog to the Rapid and from Tower City to the Justice Center in the mornings and back in the evenings.

Treat yourself to a piece of exercise equipment

My favorites are the stability ball and a jump rope - and take short exercise breaks to keep your abdominals in shape and your heart pumping oxygen.

Keep your appetite under control.

One of the most damaging and yet delicious areas of holidays and/or vacations is the extra rich food. We rationalize that, "after all, it is the holidays, so why not?" I am not saying that we should completely avoid all of special treats. What I suggest is to take it easy.

Have a big piece of fruit before attending a party or dinner - you will eat less while there. Plan to network, rather than spending all of your time at the food table(s). Alternate between empty calorie alcoholic drinks and bottled/sparkling water.

And, just because you splurge and eat too much one day, doesn't mean you should keep it up all of the rest of the days. After all, when you get back to your regular exercise routine, you don't want to have to face a double whammy of being out-of-shape and overweight too.

I know that the temptations are huge, and I give our questioner credit for being concerned about his or her exercise routine. The wonderful part of our bodies is that they will respond to regular activity - no matter how old or young we are, or how in- or out-of-shape we are.

So have a wonderful holiday or break and do get back to your exercise routine as quickly as possible.