Get on top of the bulge before Christmas

Getting to grips with that Christmas bulge seems to be the only significant amount of girth we want to battle during the month of January.

In a post-season haze sponsored by red wine, chocolate and more turkey than Bernard Matthews would find acceptable, joining a gym is the go to New Year’s resolution.

But if the thought of the joining the post-Christmas rush makes you feel like hiding in the closet, why not take a few early measures to avoid the January gym cliché?

Join Early

Beat the rush completely and join before January. This way you’ll already be in a good routine come Christmas; combating those extra few pieces of chocolate with a healthy work out. Places like Pure Gym are open 24 hours a day, so you can pop in when it’s free of half-hearted jogging Facebook boasters come January.

A Healthy Home

When everything in the local supermarket is on offer, it’s easy to stock up for a family of 10 – despite it just being you and your partner, or cat. Avoid falling into the trap of mindless eating and only buy a few things. When that boredom that encourages mindless eating sweeps over you, why not partake in some home exercises whilst watching all that Christmas television?

Skinny Drinks

It’s that time of year when social alcoholism becomes marginally acceptable. But excessive socialising not only comes with the potential of office gossip, but the beer belly conundrum; I want to party, but I want to stay trim. If you’ve already started an exercise regime, this will help, but swap that pint or glass of wine, for a gin and tonic or something similar – less calories, just as much fun.

Don’t Starve

Most importantly, don’t starve yourself. Everyone’s layered up, so you automatically look a few pounds heavier, but depriving yourself of the odd indulgence means you’ll be eating all the discounted confectionary, whilst everyone else endures the January gym phase.