Why the Holidays Are Actually the Best Time of Year to Start Working Out

We may earn a commission from links on this page. If you have even the tiniest inkling that you might want to get in shape in the new year—or anytime really—don’t wait until January. This isn't a "winter arc" self-improvement pitch; it's just facts. The best time to start a gym habit is before the holiday season. Heck, in December, you’ll even have the place mostly to yourself. Sure, technically “right now” is always the best time to start exercising, but the holiday season is special. If you wait until January, gyms will be packed. The first two weeks of the year, everybody thinks they’re at the start of an amazing new fitness habit...and by February, most of them have forgotten all about it. Don’t make life harder for yourself by starting during the big rush. Classes will fill up, you’ll have to fight people for the squat rack, and it will be hard to have any real fun. So start now. ZICOTO Ultimate Fitness Journal with consistency tracker $13.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $13.99 at Amazon In October and November, gyms and classes are at more or less their normal capacities. This is a good time to feel out the vibe of a new place. But it gets better: Once December rolls around, the fair-weather gymgoers will be off shopping for gifts after work and attending holiday parties on the weekends. They won’t feel like getting out of their warm beds in the morning, either. When you arrive, the squat rack will be free. You&…