Getting Back to the Gym: How to Restart Your Fitness Routine
Returning to the gym after an extended break can feel like a challenge. Whether life got busy over the festive period or your fitness motivation simply took a dip, stepping back into the gym can be both exciting and a little overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t need to jump straight back into intense workouts to make progress. With the right mindset and a simple plan, getting back into the gym can feel enjoyable, achievable and motivating.
Here are some key tips to help you with your return to the gym.
Don’t overthink your first session
Often, the biggest hurdle is simply walking through the gym doors. It’s easy to worry about how hard the workout will be or feel unsure about where to start.
Your first session back doesn’t need to be your toughest ever. Instead, focus on familiarising yourself with the environment and becoming comfortable using the equipment again. Take your time, move at your own pace and enjoy the feeling of being back.
Most importantly, give yourself credit. Showing up is a huge win and prioritising your health and wellbeing is something to be proud of.
Set realistic and achievable goals
Before diving into your first workout, take a moment to set realistic fitness goals. After a break from your fitness routine, it’s completely normal for strength, stamina, and confidence to feel a little lower than before.
Ease back into your routine to avoid injury or burnout. Progress will come with consistency, not perfection, so be patient and kind to yourself along the way.
Schedule your workouts
Treat your gym sessions like any other important appointment. Scheduling them into your calendar helps create structure and accountability.
Think of your workouts as dedicated ‘me-time’ during the week. A chance to switch off, focus on yourself, and work towards feeling stronger and healthier.
Do what you enjoy
Exercise should feel rewarding, not like a chore. When you’re getting back into the gym, spend time in areas or on equipment you enjoy most.
If you’re looking to add variety or structure to your workouts, our Fitter Faster programmes are free for members - Find out more
With regular, complimentary one-to-one appointments, our qualified and motivational experts will enrol you in a programme that suits your goals: Strong, Lean, Core, Perform, or Active, across three fitness levels, creating a personalised plan to keep you motivated.
Things to remember before you go
Before heading to the gym, a little preparation can go a long way:
- Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear – you could even pack your gym clothing the night before
- Bring a water bottle to fill up at the water fountains in our centre and stay hydrated
- Don’t forget your headphones so you can watch an episode of your favourite series while on the treadmill or listen to a playlist during your workout
- Have a rough plan for your workout to avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Start with a light warm-up and finish with a stretch
- Remember: everyone starts somewhere, and no one is judging your journey
Make the most of the My MORE App
Don’t forget about our My MORE app, which is free for all members! It’s packed with features to make your fitness journey easier and more fun, including Virtual Classes for beginners with tips, tutorials and motivating starter classes.
We also have our Fitter Faster Training Plans which you can follow along in the gym. You can find these training plans on leaflets on dedicated notice boards in centre or on the My MORE app within the 'Workouts' tab.