by James Tennant

Created on: December 14, 2009

Christmas is usually a bad time for diets and exercise regimes. Even the most determined of individuals throw these plans out of the window and participate in the over-eating that is done by millions around the world at this time of year. Rather than lose weight before, or during the Christmas holiday season, perhaps it is a better idea to lose it after.

You can use Christmas to prepare a weight loss plan and use it as a chance to enjoy some of the foods you might not be able to touch for a while afterwards. Gorge and be merry, but ready yourself for some hard work in the new year.

There are several reasons why someone would want to shed the pounds after Christmas:

- Overweight: Starting with the most obvious reason, it could be that the individual is overweight and wants to lose the excess pounds to get in shape, feel better about themselves and just be healthier. Being overweight is unhealthy and a major cause of heart disease and death in adults. Getting healthier by losing weight is essential for all those who are overweight.

- Look good for Spring/Summer: During the hot months at home or on holiday most people like to lie and relax on a beach. Summer is all about t-shirts and shorts and it can be difficult for those of a larger weight and size to really enjoy these months due to insecurities over their appearance.

Many people like to lose weight to get a great “beach body” and to enjoy summer as much as they can. It is important to start losing weight and toning up as early as possible as the process is a long and difficult one. Don't expect to look great without a few months hard work.

- New year: Although many people make resolutions, not many keep to them for longer than a month. When it comes to losing weight as a new year's resolution, it is really in your best interests to keep to it. It does require determination and willpower, but using the two reasons above, surely there is enough justification to keep going.

New years are often viewed as new starts for people. Why not start the new year with an effort to get healthier, achieve something great and be an inspiration to those around you? Even better here would be to gather a group of friends or co-workers who also want to lose weight. Adding an element of competition can really help keep one motivated to lose weight.

How can one lose those pounds in effective ways that won't break the back after an undoubtedly expensive Christmas holiday season? The following weight loss exercise tips should help you out.

- Running: There are few exercises better than running or jogging. Working the legs, torso and arms, this cardiovascular exercise can be enjoyed outside or inside a gym on a treadmill. Its burns through the calories effectively, improves lung function and hugely increases overall fitness levels. Walking your pets can also be a great way to get some exercise.

- Cycling: Cycling is often seen as a more fun way to increase cardiovascular function than running or jogging and it is a great way to enjoy a day out or explore. It can be easier on the joints of particularly large people over running also. However, it does require the ownership of a bike or a gym membership.

- Swimming: Swimming has been enjoyed for thousands of years and it is often thought of as the best for of cardiovascular exercise. The movements and techniques required in the different strokes work the entire body from the arms to the legs. There is little impact resistance, so it is great for larger and more obese people and can be enjoyed for a relatively small price.

Lose weight, enjoy yourself doing it, feel better, become healthier and look great, why wouldn't someone want that?

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