The Christmas break and summer holidays were fantastic—long days, great food, and well-deserved relaxation. But now, as normal life resumes, getting back into a fitness routine can feel like an uphill battle. If you haven’t made it back to Fitness n Motion Health Centre (FNM) yet, don’t stress! You’re not alone, and we’ve got some simple, effective strategies to ease you back into the swing of things.
1. Start Small and Build Up
The biggest mistake people make when getting back into a gym routine is diving in at full speed. If you haven’t been active for a while, trying to do an intense hour-long session straight away might leave you sore, frustrated, or worse—injured. Instead, ease into it.
Start with shorter workouts, even if it’s just 20–30 minutes. Focus on exercises you enjoy and that feel good for your body. If you’re unsure where to start, our friendly trainers at FNM are always happy to guide you. Remember, getting back into a routine should be gradual.
Remember, consistency beats intensity. A few solid sessions per week are far better than a massive workout followed by a week of recovery on the couch!
2. Set Realistic Goals (and Celebrate the Wins!)
After a break, you might not be able to lift what you used to or run as far as before—and that’s perfectly fine. Remember, fitness isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress.
To stay on track, set small, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated. For example, it could be as simple as coming to the gym twice this week, hitting 5,000 steps a day, or trying a new class. Ultimately, every step forward is a win!
And don’t forget to celebrate your progress! Whether it’s treating yourself to a smoothie after a workout or sharing your achievements with a mate or on your socials, recognizing your efforts keeps you motivated. Getting back into a routine becomes easier with each win.
3. Find a Workout Buddy or Join a Class
Accountability makes a huge difference when getting back into fitness. If motivation is lacking, find a workout buddy! Knowing someone is expecting you at the gym makes it much harder to skip a session.
Group fitness classes are another fantastic way to stay on track. They’re fun, social, and led by experienced instructors who keep you moving and motivated. At FNM, we offer a variety of classes, from high-energy BodyAttack and RPM to calming BodyBalance and Pilates—there’s something for everyone.
4. Make It Fun!
Exercise should never feel like a punishment for enjoying the holidays. In fact, the key to long-term consistency is finding activities you genuinely enjoy.
For example, if you love music, try putting on a virtual dance-based class. Alternatively, if you prefer the great outdoors, complement your gym sessions with walks, hikes or a mountain climb. If lifting weights is your thing, set yourself a strength challenge. At FNM, we’ve created an inclusive, family-friendly environment where fitness feels fun, not forced. Getting back into a routine will feel less daunting if it’s enjoyable.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
One of the biggest reasons people struggle to restart their fitness routine is self-criticism. It’s easy to think, “I’ve lost all my progress,” or “I should be doing more.” But negative self-talk won’t help—it just makes starting again feel even harder.
Instead, acknowledge where you’re at and give yourself credit for making the effort to return. Every session you complete is a step towards feeling stronger, healthier, and more energized. Remember, getting back into a routine takes patience and kindness.
6. Remember Why You Started
At the end of the day, fitness isn’t just about looking a certain way—it’s about feeling good, having energy, and improving your health. Think back to why you started exercising in the first place. Was it to boost your confidence? Improve your health? Have more energy to keep up with the kids?
Whatever your reason, let that be your motivation. The best time to start again is now, and FNM is here to support you every step of the way. Getting back into a routine is always more successful with the right support system.
Let’s Get Moving!
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get back to the gym, this is it! No pressure, no guilt—just take that first step. Drop by Fitness n Motion Health Centre, join in a class, or simply pop in for a chat. We’d love to see you back and help you feel strong, energized, and motivated again. See you soon!
Click here to read more about 10 essential tips for starting your fitness journey
