Enjoy the holiday season minus the guilt and keep yourself in good shape with the help of Men’s Health’s December 2012 issue with actor Aljur Abrenica on the cover.

On his second appearance on the cover, Abrenica talks about the discipline he acquired when he got his top-billing as mythical character Machete last year. “Na-pressure ako sa pagpapaganda ng katawan kasi ‘pag sinabing Machete dapat well-toned 'yung katawan mo,” Abrenica says.

After transforming his body through a tough exercise regimen and a healthy meal plan, Abrenica used the same mindset to push his limits as an actor. This was something viewers saw in his recently concluded teleserye The Coffee Prince.  “I think pag mahal mo ang isang bagay, tapos gustong-gusto mo talaga, darating at darating ang pressure sa’yo. Pero dapat pag nandoon ang pressure, kailangan pag-aralan mo ng husto kung paano tanggalin sa sistema mo yun,” he adds.

Just as tough as the challenges Abrenica faced in his career is the battle against the Christmas weight gain. This month’s issue contains a feature entitled “The Men’s Health Guide to Running Faster.” A good cardio workout to burn calories, the article discusses stride mechanics, how to plot your runs, and even the right pair of shoes that offer you the support you’ll need to notch more kilometers to shed off those unwanted pounds.

And if you’re worried about how you can keep your diet in check this season, the article “Ham It Up” offers new ideas to cook the staple Christmas ham. You still get to enjoy this savory treat but in a different, and much healthier, light.

To find out more about these and other interesting articles, grab a copy of the December issue of Men’s Health. Men’s Health is available in newsstands and bookstores nationwide. For more of Men’s Health online, like them on Facebook (Facebook.com/menshealthphilippines) and follow them on Twitter (Twitter.com/menshealthph).