It’s early November, and I can almost hear it: “There’s no point starting now. It’s nearly Christmas. I’ll get going in January.”
I’m an award-winning female personal trainer in Suffolk with over 24 years of experience, and I’ve heard this every autumn. I understand it, because the end of the year is busy and tiring. But I want to gently challenge it, especially if you’re a woman over 40.
Seven weeks is not “nearly Christmas”
Seven weeks is plenty of time to feel different. Not transformed, just stronger, more energetic, sleeping a bit better and feeling more like yourself. That’s often what makes January easier too, because you arrive with some momentum instead of starting from a standing stop.
January starts from a lower place
If you do nothing until the new year, you’ll be starting after weeks of low movement, heavier meals and later nights. For women over 40, strength and energy don’t bounce back as quickly as they once did. Starting small now means you’re building on something rather than rebuilding from scratch.
Your body needs support at this time of year, not a pause
Darker evenings, a busier diary, more stress and more social events can all take their toll. This is when movement helps most, for your mood, your energy and your sleep, and for keeping Christmas fun rather than frantic.
What “starting now” actually looks like
It doesn’t mean a strict plan or giving up the mince pies. It means:
- Two or three short sessions a week. Thirty minutes counts.
- Strength work. It matters more than ever in midlife, for your bones, your metabolism and how strong you feel day to day.
- A daily walk, even when it’s dark and cold. Put a podcast on and wrap up warm.
- A bit of protein at each meal, to keep you fuller and support your muscles.
- Early nights where you can. Recovery is part of the plan.
- Keeping the treats. Enjoy Christmas without guilt. One day is not what undoes your progress.
The real gift
Imagine walking into 2027 already feeling strong, with the habit in place, and not facing another “new year, new me” reset. That’s a far kinder way to do it.
You don’t need to wait for a perfect moment. Start small this week.
Start now with Absolute Body Conditioning
I run women-only group fitness classes and one-to-one personal training sessions at home for women across Suffolk. Whether you’d like the support of a friendly female-only class or a plan built around you, I’ll help you find what fits your life.
📞 07787 279597 | ✉️ info@abcfitness.uk | 📱 Instagram: @absolutefitnesswithlisa
