Gyms aren’t for everyone. But getting active is vital in order to better yourself and you don’t need to wait until the New Year to get started. It might seem like the last thing you’d want to do. Especially since the days leading up to Christmas will be undoubtedly filled with copious amounts of chocolates and cake. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be active! If you’re not sure which gym to join then there are a few things to look out for when choosing. The most important thing to look out for is how high quality the equipment is. The brand being used is important when deciding the quality because Primo Fitness used exercise equipment is usually better quality than brands like Impex even if it is used.
I know. You’re probably thinking, exercise? No thanks! But here are five reasons you should join the gym in December.
1. Release those endorphins!
There is plenty of evidence that demonstrates how exercise can trigger the release of feel-good hormones. Exercise doesn’t just have to be about getting fit or losing weight. It can be just as much for your mental health too. By engaging in a physical activity that you actually enjoy, it will seem less like a chore and you’ll be more inclined to keep it as part of your routine. You can be active at home by following a work-out routine that is appropriate for you or you could utilise your surroundings, like heading down to the pool, the park, or your local gym.
2. Change up your routine.
If you are anything like me, you quickly get bored of being stuck in the same routine: work, eat, sleep and repeat. Deciding to get active gives you the opportunity to change this up. And the best part is, you’re in control. You could choose to join a gym and try all the equipment out and even bring a friend along if you don’t want to go alone. Or if you’ve tried the gym before and it’s just not your thing, you could make the conscious decision to go for a slow jog (make sure you wrap up warm!) or even visit a trampoline park! Trust me, its harder than you remember! And it’s active! I’m guessing it’s also a little bit different to what you usually do. Whatever you do to get active, I bet you’ll love the change up in your routine.
3. Start your New Year’s resolution early.
January 1st rolls around and you promise yourself that you will stop ordering takeaways and that you’ll join the gym and make healthier choices. Sounds like most of us, doesn’t it? But why wait? If you know that this will be you in the New Year, then hear me out. Starting your New Year’s resolution early can act as your test run. If you find yourself giving in to temptations often and failing your resolution, it gives you time to prepare for when the New Year actually rolls round to fix where you’re going wrong. The thing about doing it before the start of the New Year, is you won’t feel as guilty for not sticking to it! And when you do indulge on Christmas Day (as we all do!), you can enjoy it and know that you are actually a more active, and hopefully happier person than you were at the start of December.
4. Don’t become a hermit!
The cold winter weather often deters us from ever venturing outside for anything other than things like work or university. But don’t stay cooped up inside! Beat the cold weather by taking a brisk walk so that the season doesn’t pass you by and stop you from doing things. Being active in winter will help you avoid feeling down and bored. If you’ve got a gym membership, those rainy winter days are a perfect opportunity to pay a (probably) overdue visit! And the best part is, you’ll leave feeling accomplished.
5. No longer pressing snooze five times…
The cold, dark days of winter make it that much harder to wake up early, get out of bed and get started on the day. But, just because the days get darker sooner doesn’t mean that life stops! So, in order to battle the aversion to getting out of bed in the morning, regular exercise can help you feel more energetic. With more energy, your mood will improve and you can enjoy all the positives that winter offers like the hot chocolates, the Christmassy markets, the lights that pop up everywhere and the fun, festive vibe!
So, there they are. Five reasons you should join the gym/get active in December. Remember, the earlier you start, the closer you are to feeling happier, to reinvigorating your routine, achieving your goals and even having more energy.
