Getting Back to Exercise This Autumn

As summer fades and the cooler days of autumn roll in, it’s easy to let exercise routines slip. Whether it was the chaos of summer holidays, family commitments, or simply enjoying some downtime took priority, now is the perfect time to refocus on your fitness goals. With the festive season on the horizon, there’s no better time to give yourself a boost and get moving again.
 
Reigniting Your Motivation
If you’ve fallen out of the habit of regular exercise, don’t worry—getting back on track doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by reflecting on why you began your fitness journey in the first place. Is it to feel more energetic, improve your health, or boost your confidence? Whatever your “why,” reconnecting with that reason will help fuel your motivation as you dive back into your routine.

Here are a few tips to help you ease back into exercise:
Start small: If you’ve got out of the habit, don’t pressure yourself to jump back in at the level you were at before you stopped. Begin with shorter, manageable workouts and gradually build up as your body adjusts.  Expecting to pick up exactly where you left off can be demoralising.  Don’t focus on how your fitness has perhaps dropped slightly, focus on what you can do to get back to where you were.

Set new goals: As we head towards the end of the year, consider setting small, achievable fitness goals leading up to Christmas. Whether it’s attending a certain number of classes each week or aiming to feel stronger, goal setting will help keep you focused.

Reward yourself: I’m not talking with food or a glass of wine here.  Celebrate the small wins along the way, whether it’s treating yourself to a new pair of workout leggings or a relaxing evening in.  Each Friday over in our free Facebook group we celebrate our wins for the week.  Acknowledging each small achievement is what keeps you moving forward and wanting to hit the next goal.

With darker nights and cooler mornings, it’s tempting to hibernate as autumn settles in.  Exercise doesn’t just benefit your body; it also has a powerful impact on your mood.

When we move, our bodies release endorphins (or dolphins as I call them) which are your “feel-good” hormones.  These help reduce stress and anxiety while boosting overall mood. Physical activity also increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, both of which play a role in feeling happy and motivated. Whether it’s a brisk walk, strength training, or yoga, regular exercise can act as a natural mood booster, helping to combat low energy, stress, and even symptoms of depression.

How could you start making time to move?

One of the biggest barriers to regular exercise is finding the time. Between work, family, and other commitments, making space for a workout can feel impossible.

Let’s face it, it’s not just the workout that takes time but then we have to factor in travelling to a class or gym, which can often mean navigating busy town centres during rush hour.

That’s where online workouts—both live and/or on-demand come in. They offer flexibility, convenience, and the ability to work out from the comfort of your own home.

Live online group workouts bring the energy of a fitness class right to your living room. You can follow along with a trainer and interact with others for that added sense of community, without the hassle of commuting to a gym.

For those of us with unpredictable schedules, on-demand workouts offer complete flexibility. You can fit in a workout whenever it suits you—early mornings, lunchtime, or evenings—saving time while still getting in your exercise.

Did you know I offer both live online group sessions and an on-demand platform, perfect for women who want to keep their fitness on track without disrupting their busy lives. These options allow you to stay active, accountable, and consistent, whether you’re at home or on the go.

I’ve included a link at the bottom for you to come and try both our Live or On Demand classes for a week to see if it helps get you moving again.
 
The end of the year often comes with indulgence—holiday meals, parties, and cozy nights in. But rather than seeing this time as a reason to put your fitness on hold, why not approach it with a fresh mindset? By staying consistent with your workouts now, you’ll feel stronger, healthier, and more confident when the festive season arrives.
 
Getting back into exercise doesn’t have to be daunting, especially when you break it down into manageable steps. Whether it’s reconnecting with your goals, setting a new routine, or trying something new like online workouts, this autumn is the perfect time to take control of your health and wellbeing.
If you have any questions or want to try some of our classes just click the link below or hit reply to drop me a message.

sandra harnett fitness

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