Keep Fit Over Christmas: 5 Tips

As the New Year approaches you may already be thinking about turning over a new leaf and adopting a healthier lifestyle. If you’re not a gym bunny , why not take advantage of the best home exercise equipment available and get fit from the comfort of your own home?Most of us go through stages when we are really dedicated to eating well and getting fit , but it can be difficult to maintain your enthusiasm levels , especially during the winter months when it gets dark early and the weather is unpredictable at best. Some days , the last thing you want to do when you get back from a long day at work is trudge out to the gym , but there are things you can do at home to keep fit and stay healthy. Here are some tips for staying fit this winter:1. Invest in some home gym equipmentIf you’re put off going to the gym because of the cost , invest in some home exercise equipment; once you have paid for your machine , you can use it whenever you want without the fear of a hefty sum disappearing from your account every month. Exercising at home also offers greater flexibility if you have children or a very busy lifestyle and you can give it your all without an audience.2. Variety is the spice of lifeSome people love sticking to a gym routine , but for those who get bored easily , trying a range of exercises and activities will be much more interesting and this is also more likely to keep you motivated. If you do go to the gym on a regular basis , try to vary your sessions to include different machines and ensure that you get a full body workout. You can also look into the other facilities available , for example enquire if there is a pool or whether the fitness centre runs dance , circuit-training or aerobic classes. Many people assume they need to pound the treadmill for hours on end to get fit , but this is not the case and other forms of exercise will be equally beneficial to your health.3. Eat wellMany people assume that they need to eat less to lose weight , but this is not the case and if you are embarking upon a daily exercise regime , you need to keep your calorie count at the recommended level so your body has sufficient fuel to last the session. A healthy , balanced diet is essential for good health , as the body relies on the food you eat to get all the nutrients , vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. A good diet and exercise regime will help to keep your body weight stable and healthy , which will reduce your risk of health problems and have you fighting fit for the winter months.4. Set targetsSetting targets is a great way to motivate yourself , but make sure your targets are realistic. You may decide to focus on dropping a clothes size , reach an ideal weight or fulfilling a physical challenge , such as running a marathon or climbing a mountain.5. Find an exercise that suits youThe phrase ‘exercise is boring’ has been bandied around for years , but exercise is not restricted to going for a run; there are so many physical activities out there and you may find that some are really enjoyable and don’t even feel like you’re exerting yourself. The gym is not for everyone , so if you prefer the outdoor lifestyle , why not try rock climbing , kayaking or rambling? Team sports are also a great way of meeting new people , as well as benefiting your health.Fitness is really important for good health , but maintaining motivation levels can be difficult , so follow the simple steps above and get ready to start the New Year with a bang!