Last week, we talked about escaping the “inevitable” holiday weight gain many of us expect each year. But in addition to making smart food choices, weight maintenance means including a healthy sprinkling of exercise in your holiday season.

It’s no surprise that parties, shopping, baking and gift wrapping causes even the most dedicated of exercisers to stray from their routine. How can you maintain workout motivation in the midst of holiday busyness? Read on for some ideas.

1. Decide to do several brisk loops at the mall before allowing yourself to shop. If you have a pedometer, make a game of it. Challenge yourself to reach a predetermined number of steps in a designated time period. If you make it, treat yourself to a cup of coffee or a $5 fun purchase.
2. Take a walking tour of downtown. Urban areas often have unique shopping venues, so you can also get some Christmas gifts while you burn calories.
3. As you’re putting together your weekly calendar, include an hour of exercise on at least three days. Vow to keep your exercise appointments as you would any other client meeting or critical deadline.
4. Traveling for the holidays? When you’re tucked in your hotel room for the night, do some push-ups, lunges, squats and abdominal exercises before bed.
5. Make a special CD that includes your holiday favorites, and listen to it while taking a walk or riding a stationary bike.
6. Bundle up and take a walk with your family to enjoy the neighborhood lights. Treat yourself to a cup of tea or low-fat cocoa when you return home.
7. When you’re making your holiday list, ask for money to put toward a piece of home exercise equipment. Search for good holiday sales on a treadmill, elliptical machine or bike–which will come in handy on days you don’t make it to the gym.

During the chaos of the season this year, remember that regular exercise is not only good for your health—it’s good for your mental well-being, too. And best of all, when you keep your eye on weight and wellness goals during the holidays, you’ll begin the New Year by avoiding frustrating weight gain—and feeling good about yourself.