The light fades earlier, the mornings are crisper and the trees are putting on their fiery show. Autumn signals change in more ways than one. It’s the season of fresh starts, of shifting gears and rediscovering routines.
If your workouts took a backseat during the lazy days of summer, now’s the perfect time to hit reset. Think of autumn as your built-in motivator: a natural pause that encourages new goals, fresh energy and the chance to enjoy movement in a different rhythm.
1. Start with small, achievable goals
The best way to restart your fitness routine is by setting smaller goals to begin with. Ease yourself in with something as simple as a 20-minute brisk walk daily or attending just one or two fitness classes a week. You’ll know what feels achievable for you.
David Lloyd Club Personal Trainer, Jack Claxton, says, “Take it steady in your first couple of weeks. Setting small, achievable goals can create a series of little wins, driving motivation and ensuring consistent progress.”
Then, once you’re back in the swing of things, you can build on things from there.
2. Explore new activities
If your usual gym workout was starting to feel stale before the summer break, why not try a dance class or swimming? You could even spice up your routine by adding something new each week. It could be a fun cycling session to get your heart pumping or a calming holistic class to help you focus on your overall wellness.
“It’s a great time to try something new. If you’re a member of a gym or health club, have a chat with one of the staff and see what they recommend to push you out of your comfort zone,” says Jack.
3. Embrace the here and now
There’s no time like the present, and you don’t even need equipment or a change of clothes to make a start. You could take a brisk walk during your lunch break, do a quick set of push-ups while your coffee brews or simply dance to your favourite song when it comes on the radio! Small, spontaneous exercises like these can help you get going as you build towards more consistent workouts.
You can also make the most of autumn’s fairer days by enjoying a little exercise in the great outdoors, whether it’s an invigorating weekend hike or a breezy bike ride through the park. The energy and momentum you build up now can help you remain mobile and motivated even as winter’s chill sets in.
4. Choose exercises you love
If the prospect of exercise seems like a chore after the lazy days of summer, it’s helpful to find joy in your workouts. If you’re a music lover, for example, dance-inspired workouts like Aqua or Zumba might spark some delight.
Or, for those who want to try something more intense, Jack recommends the stepper and SkiErg in the gym — the latter being a Nordic skiing machine that develops both strength and endurance in the legs, arms and core. Whether it’s a class or a piece of equipment, just find what you love.
5. Discover the benefits of a David Lloyd Clubs membership
Come on, you didn’t seriously think we’d skip the part about our clubs, did you? We’ve got it all: tennis courts, Padel courts, sparkling pools, state-of-the-art gyms and spas that practically demand a post-workout soak. More than that, your local David Lloyd club is a community; the kind that makes you want to show up and stick around, whatever the season.
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