We’re getting to that time of year again. The holidays are approaching, schedules are getting busier, there’s more food around, more social events, more travelling, and suddenly I start hearing the same thing: “I’ll get back to working out in January.”

But my question is … why? Why are we waiting until January to take care of ourselves?

If anything, this is probably the time of year when we need our workouts the most. We’re heading into a season where many of us will be eating more, drinking more, sleeping less and moving less. So why would this be the time we decide to stop exercising?

And I’m not saying you need to spend the holidays obsessing over calories or trying to “work off” everything you eat which, doesn’t work in the end anyway! Enjoy Thanksgiving. Enjoy Christmas. Eat the dessert. Have the meal. Spend time with your family and friends.

But keep moving. Last week I was away visiting my brother, and before I even got there, I was intentional about checking out what was available in the area.

I found a gym and got my workout in, but I also found a local running group and went out for a run with them.

And that’s something anyone can do, and it can be completely free. There are running groups everywhere, and many welcome walkers too.

It’s a great way to keep moving while you’re away, explore somewhere new and even meet new people.

Your workouts don’t have to be perfect. Maybe you normally train five days a week and during the holidays you can only manage three.

Great, do three. If you’re travelling, find a class, walk, run, use the hotel gym or do a quick workout wherever you are. Something is always better than nothing.

The goal doesn’t have to be losing ten pounds between now and January 1. Maybe the goal is simply to finish the year stronger than you started it.

Think about how different January could feel if you didn’t spend November and December abandoning your routine. Instead of starting the new year feeling like you have to undo the last two months, you could walk into January already moving and already feeling stronger.

We put so much pressure on January 1 as if something magical happens when the calendar changes. It doesn’t.

You don’t need a Monday. You don’t need a new month. And you definitely don’t need a new year.

So, if you’ve been debating this year whether to sign up for a gym’s upcoming offerings, personal training options or group classes, sign up now. Don’t wait until January to take that first step. Get back in the gym. Take the walk. Lift the weights. Keep showing up, even if it’s not perfect. We still have plenty of year left.

Finish strong and B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook