Should I bother exercising in the run up to Christmas?

1. 59

   plussize-lingerieposted 13 years ago

   Should I bother exercising in the run up to Christmas?
   
   I know that Christmas itself is going to the usual series of binges, because it's one family/friends get together after another, so does it really make any difference if I keep up my exercise regime in the few days left before Christmas?

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2. 70

   Kris Heeterposted 13 years ago

   I always encourage my clients to do so - not so much for the physical aspect of it but more for the mental aspect.  Holidays can be stressful and exercise releases endorphins in your body that keep you "feeling good" emotionally and keeps the stress level down!

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3. 0

   MP50posted 13 years ago

   Yes you should keep exercising up to christmas and after christmas.
   
   Then you can enjoy yourself for a few day'.

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4. 60

   Ludivineposted 13 years ago

   You should, you 'll be able to eat during the Holidays without feeling too guilty it's always a good idea to incorporate exercise in your daily routine.People are way happier when they feel good physically and mentally and exercise provides both. Happy Holidays!

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5. 0

   Emily Sparksposted 13 years ago

   Yes, I would still exercise as much as possible, and I would do my best to eat healthy.  Yes, we usually eat more then normal during Christmas time, but we should still try to "behave". 

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6. 67

   MosLadderposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely! For all of the reasons listed below, but also to retain the habit. But, instead of looking at it as an exercise regime, take this time to have as much fun as possible with the experience. Do something ridiculous (but safe!) Examples? I don't know, for me it might be joining the kids for Just Dance 2 on the Wii or going for a run in my pajama pants (eliminates that time-wasting getting dressed thing :-)
   Forget the regime and just start moving; warm-up and throw it all together.

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7. 79

   mikejhcaposted 13 years ago

   Yes.  It makes a difference.  Exercise is a good way to reduce stress and it will give you more energy.  If you stop exercising you will probably get cravings for junk food.  So there is a good chance you consume a lot more calories than you would if you continued to exercise regularly.  If you go back to exercising you can get rid of the extra fat but you probably will not feel like exercising.
   
   I like exercising but if I stop I do not feel like I have enough energy and willpower to start up again.  Another thing to consider is that most people never fully recover from the extra weight.  The extra weight is still there the next Christmas when they put on more weight.  That is why some people become a little heavier each year.  It does not happen to everyone but it does happen to a lot of people.

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8. 61

   tswilsonposted 13 years ago

   Definitely. The Christmas binges are understandable, but you'll feel a lot better about them if you have kept up with your exercise up to that point. Maybe even exercise extra before Christmas to cancel out things a bit.

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9. 67

   Melissa McClainposted 13 years ago

   As others have already said, yes it's a good idea to exercise leading up to (and it goes without saying, after) Christmas!  The psychological benefits have already been mentioned but they shouldn't be ignored.  The average person gains two pounds over the holiday season. If working out keeps you from gaining those extra two pounds, then you'll be much better off.  Also, working out isn't an all or nothing thing.  You can take it easy over the holidays as family visits, cooking, parties, etc. will likely have you busier than usual. Cutting it out completely though may make it all that more difficult to start up again when New Years rolls around.

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