Ask An Expert: Personal Trainer Allison Tibbs' 2019 Health Tips

Now that the new year is just days away, you might be feeling some post-Christmas dinner regrets or uncertainty when it comes to healthy resolutions for 2019.

But don't stress — you're probably in the same boat as everyone else, including certified personal trainer and healthy lifestyle coach Allison Tibbs, whose unhealthy holiday go-tos are gingerbread cakes and cookies, pumpkin spice brownies and sweet potato pecan pie.

"All of these treats remind me of the holidays so I don’t feel bad when I eat them because I know that once the holidays are over, so are the treats," says Tibbs.

Tibbs has trained and coached people all around the world in an effort to help them live a healthier, happier and more fulfilled life — which is why we totally trust her advice when it comes to reaching our health and fitness goals in 2019.

The fitness guru advises that you start simple, like adding a healthy breakfast to your routine or putting more of an emphasis on self-care, which she deems as her resolution for the new year. "Focus on what habits you want to commit to over the course of the year, and you will have a higher level of success and most likely feel better about yourself," says Tibbs.

Tibbs let us in on all her healthy holiday secrets, as well as how to start 2019 off on the right foot, below:

What are some health/fitness-related resolutions that you can actually stick to this year?

Focus on habit-based resolutions over outcome-based resolutions. This method sets you up for success because it moves you towards making lifestyle changes that will lead to the outcomes you’re looking for.

For example, if you’re goal is to lose 30 pounds, chances are you’re going to hold that number as the metric for success. If you don’t reach that goal or you’re not getting the results fast enough, you may resort to unhealthy methods or give up.

Instead, focus on what habits you want to commit to over the course of the year and you will have a higher level of success and most likely feel better about yourself.

Do you have any suggestions on getting back to a healthy lifestyle (mentally and physically) after the holidays?

The most important thing is to start small. So many people think that it has to be a full throttle approach for getting back on track. This just adds more stress and anxiety around your process. Try something as simple as starting your morning with a green smoothie or healthy breakfast or just stocking the house with healthy foods so you’re not tempted to overindulge.

Any tips on managing stress during the holidays and into the new year?

Breathe! When we are stressed and full of anxiety, we tend to breathe in a way that is shallow and can actually signal to our body to become even more stressed. When you’re at a holiday function with the passive aggressive mother-in-law or witnessing a toddler meltdown during family photo shoots or even feeling a bit down, just remember to take a moment and breathe. Breathe deep into your abdomen and breathe with the intention of releasing any tension in your body.

Where are the best spots to exercise and get in shape around San Francisco?

Luckily, the weather is so nice getting a workout outdoors can do wonders. I love Kezar Stadium or Lyon Street Stairs for a cardio and circuit style workout. For yoga, I love Ritual Hot Yoga, which is a 50-minute heated class that’s taught in the dark by candlelight and you flow to the beat of the music. The Assembly has tons of amazing classes and pop-up classes that are held in a beautiful space. I’m excited to check out Rumble boxing when it opens up for a great cardio and boxing workout.

Where are some of your favorite spots to de-stress around San Francisco?

I love heading to Lands End or Baker Beach to watch the sunset after a long day, the views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge are very calming.

Taking a walk through Golden Gate Park or the Presidio also is so nice to be surrounded by trees, the sounds of birds, and the smell of the fresh eucalyptus trees.

Lately, I love going to Samovar Tea Lounge in Yerba Buena to sit with a book and sip on a delicious tea. It’s super cute and the servers are so nice.

Burke Williams Spa in Westfield Mall never disappoints and is super convenient.

What’s your health or wellness-related New Year’s resolution?

More self care! Creating space in my day for me to check in with myself and see what my body, heart or soul needs. Also, I want to schedule things weekly around self care to make it more of a habit.

When you DO indulge over the holidays what’s the one cheat meal or snack that’s totally worth it?

My go-to indulgences are holiday baked goods— gingerbread cakes and cookies, pumpkin spice brownies, and I make a mean double decker sweet potato pecan pie. All of these treats remind me of the holidays so I don’t feel bad when I eat them because I know that once the holidays are over, so are the treats. It makes it more of something to look forward to each year and I really enjoy it!

Image Credit: Allison Tibbs