If you're waiting for the new year to arrive to start a new exercise regime, when all good health clubs are rubbing their hands with glee, you may want to consider getting yourself in shape before the Christmas season instead - just think how much better you'll look in that glamorous party frock, and how much more you'll be able to eat without feeling guilty on Christmas Day. If that's not enough incentive then you might want to hear some added benefits of taking regular exercise - • Helps keep your weight down • Halves the risk of breast and bowel cancer • Reduces the risk significantly of a stroke or heart attack • Can help prevent osteoporosis • Lowers the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure • Combats stress and depression • Boosts circulation, increases balance and joint mobility • Can help relieve menopausal and hormonal symptoms • Improves mental agility and reduces risk of Alzheimer's disease • Improves and encourages an appetite for healthier more nutritious food • Prevents loss of muscle mass due to the ageing process • Improves circulation to the skin, hair and nails.

And if you consider any of the above to be important to you isn't it worth making a start? Don't feel you need to join a gym to get enough exercise - activities undertaken in your own environment are just as valid, run upstairs instead of walking, walk at a brisk pace to the local shops and back, cycle a couple of times around the block, take the dog to the local park. Non-conventional exercise suits many people too busy or not inclined to go to the gym and if you can get some fresh air whilst you exercise even better!