If you’re like me, I enjoyed more than one Thanksgiving meal and more than just a few desserts in the last week! And as December rolls in, there are more holiday gatherings and delicious meals on the calendar. While it’s easy to succumb to the temptation of indulging in holiday delights, there’s no better time than now to kickstart your fitness routine.
Waiting until January is a common approach, but there are a few compelling reasons to start your fitness journey in December instead.
- Mitigate Holiday Weight Gain: To mitigate holiday weight gain, individuals can focus on maintaining a balance between indulging in festive treats and incorporating healthy habits. This may include staying physically active, being mindful of portion sizes, and making conscious food choices. Additionally, adopting a realistic mindset and understanding that occasional indulgence is a normal part of the holiday season can contribute to a healthier approach to festivities.
- Build Resilience for Holiday Stress: The holidays can be stressful with preparations, social obligations, and travel plans. Engaging in regular physical activity is a proven stress-reliever, helping to alleviate tension and improve mood. By incorporating exercise into your routine now, you’ll be better equipped to handle the inevitable holiday stressors. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can be particularly beneficial during this busy time of year.
- Create a Sustainable Routine: Waiting until January to begin your fitness journey might set you up for an “all or nothing” mentality, leading to overly ambitious goals that are challenging to maintain. By starting in December, you have the opportunity to establish a more gradual and sustainable routine. Begin with manageable workouts that fit into your current schedule, allowing you to seamlessly integrate fitness into your daily life. This approach increases the likelihood of long-term success, as opposed to a sudden and drastic lifestyle change.
While the holiday season is often associated with festive celebrations and indulgences, it’s also an excellent time to prioritize your health and well-being.
Don’t wait for the calendar to turn—embrace the opportunity to prioritize your health and make this December the beginning of a healthier, more active lifestyle.
If you’re ready to start, reach out and let’s get you in to try a FREE class!
Coach Jamie