December is creeping up fast, and with it a million and one opportunities to hit the pub and give in to the whole festive spirit. Of course, what this really means is that our training takes a back seat as we succumb to all of the mulled wine, mince pies, and Christmas parties on offer!
But it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, December is, in my opinion the best time to start getting in the best shape of the year.
As a full time member of the fun police, I have some pretty solid reasons why. Hear me out…
- Gyms are quieter than ever
December is by far the quietest time of the year for most gyms. With nearly everyone else out overindulging from mid November onwards, it’s the best time to get the gym to yourself. No more waiting in line for equipment or ditching off the workout early because it’s too busy!
- You can get the best deals on membership and PT
Thinking of waiting until January for the best deals? It’s not John Lewis. The best deals at gyms start in December, and end in the New Year. Gyms are in no shortage of clients during January. With most people disappearing throughout December they will bite your hand off for some more business!
- You have more free time
It can be so easy during the holidays to spend days on end doing very little, but eating way too much. This is a tough cycle to break and will leave you both overweight and lethargic. Why not use some of that time to get a head start on the ‘New year, New you’ crowds. You don’t have to miss out on time with your family, even as little as 20mins training per day will make a huge difference to your waistline come January. Or even better, get the family involved with you.
- You can REALLY treat yourself on Christmas week
By the time December 27th arrives most of us have gone way overboard on the food and booze. In fact, we are almost encouraged to keep tucking in until we end up comatose on a sofa in front of our favourite Xmas film, which btw is Home Alone all…day…long.
I happen to agree, that we should all let loose over Christmas. There’s nothing worse than a food snob shunning all carbs for fear of putting on weight. The solution? Train hard (and regularly) for the first 2-3 weeks in December. Think of it as building up an allowance for Christmas week. By the time the big day arrives, that Christmas roast with quality street chaser wont even dent the calorie deficit you have created. What’s more you can really treat yourself guilt free. You will have earnt it!
- You will feel far happier and full of energy.
December is notorious for hangovers, brain fog and a general lack of energy. Finding time to get some regular training in will help stimulate the release of endorphins, the hormones responsible for making you feel good. Combined with a well balanced nutrition plan this will help increase your energy levels, reduce stress, improve sleep and keep you focused and motivated.
- It will set you up for a great start to the New Year
Nearly everyone that comes back to the gym early January feels like they are starting all over again. Not only have they put on weight, their energy levels are at a yearly low and they find it difficult to get back on the straight and narrow. Finding time to look after yourself in December will help you hit 2017 with a bang. Mega focused, in great shape and ready to tackle some bigger goals than getting rid of the Christmas excess.
Top tips
- Find time to complete at least 20 minutes of interval/resistance style training at least three days a week during December.
- Follow a decent nutrition plan at least 80% of the time in the run up to Christmas week (contact me on the email below if you need help with this).
- Choose 2-3 days to really spoil yourself guilt free. Then work hard to earn them!
- Take a quality vitamin D supplement as it’s likely you are deficient due to lack of direct sunlight at this time of the year.
- Approach gyms now to get a great deal on your training before the January rush.
Any questions give me a shout on chris@betterbodygroup.co.uk
