Why the Holidays Are the Best Time of Year to Start Exercising
If you have even the slightest inkling that you want to get in shape in the new year—or any time for that matter—don’t wait until January. This isn’t a call to self-improvement for the “winter period” ; it’s just the facts. The best time to start hitting the gym is before the holiday season. Heck, in December, you’ll even be practically alone there.
Sure, technically “right now” is always the best time to start working out, but the holiday season is especially exciting. If you wait until January, the gyms will be packed. The first two weeks of the year are all about starting healthy new fitness habits… and by February, most have forgotten all about it. Don’t make things harder for yourself by starting your workouts in the middle of the season. Classes will fill up, you’ll have to fight for a spot on the machine, and it’ll be hard to really have fun. So get started now.
In October and November, gyms and classes operate almost as usual. It’s a good time to get a feel for the new place. But that’s not all: once December arrives, gym-goers who previously only visited in good weather will be out shopping for gifts after work and attending holiday parties on the weekends. They’ll also be eager to get out of their warm beds in the morning. Upon arrival, the squat rack will be free. You’ll have your choice of a treadmill. The gym will be yours.
If you start right now, you’ll have about two months to get in shape before the January rush hits. This is the perfect short window to set a small goal and stick to it. Commit to going to the gym three times a week, and you’ll be able to squeeze in 24 workouts before Christmas, even if you take a few days off for the holidays. You can get much stronger in 24 workouts. Or try running, if that’s your preferred form of fitness. If you start a “couch to 5K” running program now, you’ll be regularly running for 30 minutes straight by January.
Yes, the holiday season can be stressful and intense, but remember that exercise helps our brains cope with stress . Schedule exercise into your calendar and don’t skip it.
Don’t worry about missing out on great deals. Any gym or studio offering January promotions likely runs sales year-round. Ultimately, if you get into the habit of going to the gym regularly , you’ll get much more bang for your buck than someone who signs up in January and quickly gives up.