Hey everyone, I’m pleased to announce that Santa has recruited me as his special festive fitness elf this year!
Have you seen how empty your local gym is this week? What’s that about? Christmas is still a whole week away!
Unfortunately, even some people who are desperate to shed fat and/or get fitter seem to make a conscious decision to totally write half (or even all) of December off.
This is, of course, a great idea! Why not enjoy the festive season to the max and just sort the body out in the New Year? What with all the cold weather, social engagements, extra family time and general busy-ness you don’t stand a chance of exercising or eating well anyway, right?
Or, maybe not.
Do you remember how you’ve felt come January in previous years when you’ve taken that attitude? Let’s make like ghosts of post-Christmas past and go back there for minute shall we? I’ll fire up my magic time-travel sleigh, or something.
What can we see? My money’s on you feeling bloated, lethargic, and full of regret. Psychologically and physically low? Maybe even enough to make you feel quite ill?
If we change gear and fast forward to post-Christmas future, is that really something you want to repeat?
No? Joy to the world! I have good tidings – you don’t have to. You have a choice.
Here are few tinsel truths Santa has asked me to remind you of:
- Overeating and drinking are not the only ways to celebrate
- If you make exercise a priority you WILL find time for it
- Exercise is far better than sugar or alcohol at reducing feelings of stress
- Other people don’t care about what/whether you’re eating or drinking half as much as you probably think
- You enjoy everything, including Christmas, more when you feel fit and healthy
Here’s a cheeky elfin fitness bonus tip too (not many people will talk about this, but I’m going to let you in on the secret because you might never have experienced it) …the satisfaction of getting up in the morning full of energy and fresh as a daisy when most other people are hungover and/or bloated from the night before is awesome, and pretty damn addictive. What’s more, you can actually have an ace night out without overeating and getting smashed. Yes, it is actually possible to enjoy the party and the day after too – who knew?! If you want to experience a bit of Christmas magic this year, that’s your ticket right there.
And don’t let anyone rib you for being a “goody-goody”. I mean, there’s nothing rebellious about joining everyone else at the trough really is there? How can it be rebellious if everyone else is doing it? If you really want to assert your individuality this Christmas, be a true rebel and eat, drink and do only what you think is right, not what everyone else is doing and not what the advertisers would have you eat, drink and do.
…I’d have liked to have ended this post at that last full-stop really, as you’d expect I am very busy helping Santa and stuff. But I know I’d get comments from people going crackers about how it’s good to let go a little at Christmas and enjoy it… which, of course, clever old you would have realised is missing the point, but for their benefit I’m going to have to mention that I’m not talking about a Christmas of lettuce leaves and four-hour gym sessions. Please do have a few festive indulgences if you like and maybe scale back your training for a few days if that’s what you want. I’ve simply written this to offer a bit of support and encouragement to those people who are feeling torn between wanting to maintain their healthy lifestyle choices and pressure and/or habits compelling them sit around overeating for days on end over Christmas. After all, I know that I enjoy Christmas a lot more if I don’t neglect or abuse my body over the festive period and if you’re the same, I want to Santa wants me to do what I can to help.
Anyways, it’s totally up to you do what you want, as it is all year round. But it’s not Christmas day yet, so if you haven’t done your training yet today, give yourself the gift of a fitter body and go get it done. Remember, the fitness elf is always watching! 😉