Christmas is fast approaching. It’s a time to celebrate and enjoy life – we eat and drink a little more than usual, have a few extra chocolates than we are used to and it’s not uncommon for people to gain a bit of extra weight.

Which is fine, of course. A few pounds are no big deal – but gaining weight can be a big confidence killer for some of us, not to mention the health problems that come along with being overweight.

The aim of the game is to stay as fit and healthy as we can so we can have a great quality of life with our loved ones for as long as possible.

Many people plan to join a gym in the New Year. They want to lose weight, eat well, quit drinking, stop smoking and generally be more productive.

But why wait until after Christmas and the new year?

Here are some great reasons why you should start your health and fitness goals now!

You’ll be 8 weeks in by New Years.

If you start your fitness journey now, you’ll already be 2 whole months into your journey. That’s 8 weeks to start learning new exercises at the gym, find what type of exercise is most enjoyable, check out the gym classes, try out some running routes.

Don’t put a date on when you are going to start. Stop wasting time and get on it now!

The gyms are generally quieter. 

It can be daunting going to the gym if you’re not used to going alone. Fewer people will be going to the gym now than they will in January. This gives you time to get used to the equipment and build some confidence up before it gets overwhelmingly busy in January!

Keep off that Christmas weight.

You might not lose weight over Christmas, but you can prevent gaining weight by exercising. This means you can still enjoy all that delicious holiday food without feeling guilty.

The energy boost.

The clocks have just gone back, it’s cold and dark outside – exercise gives you a welcome energy boost and will help stimulate the release of endorphins – giving you that motivation you need.

Feel better in your Christmas party dress.

Exercise instantly makes me feel better about myself – even if I don’t see a change on the scale, exercising gives me a more positive view of my body. No need to hide behind Christmas jumpers at your Christmas party – get that little black dress on and show off what you have been working hard on the last few weeks!

So what are you waiting for?