Why September is the Perfect Time for a Fitness Reset

Forget January—September is the ideal time to refresh your fitness routine. It's the perfect moment between the chaos of summer and the excuses of winter to tune up your body and mind.

Poll

What's your go-to workout time?

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

As the kids head back to school and the nights get longer, a "September reset" can help you build sustainable habits.

GET HYROX RACE READY AT GYMNATION

Les Mills UK Trainer Jess McDonald calls September the ideal time to start fresh.

"You’re not dealing with the pressure of New Year’s resolutions, but you’re still getting that sense of a new beginning," she says.

Industry data supports this, showing that September is the second most popular month for new gym memberships, right after January.

TRY BOLLYNATION AT GYMNATION

The Science Behind the Reset

If you're feeling the "Autumn Blues," exercise is a powerful solution. A 2024 study in the BMJ confirmed that exercise is an "effective treatment for depression."

A brisk walk, a yoga class, or a HIIT session can help reduce stress and improve mental balance.

Movement also improves sleep. An active day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to better rest and recovery.

A September fitness reset isn't just about losing holiday weight; it’s about re-establishing a healthy cycle that keeps you going through the colder months.

VINYASA YOGA CLASSES AT GYMNATION

No Gym? No Problem.

You don't need a gym membership to get started. McDonald suggests beginning with simple, equipment-free exercises at home.

"Keep it small, realistic, and doable," she advises. Here are three body-weight exercises to get you moving:

• Bodyweight Squats: With feet slightly wider than your hips, push your hips back and bend your knees to 90 degrees, keeping your chest up. Drive through your heels to return to standing. This is great for your lower body and hips.
  
  
• Mountain Climbers: Start in a plank position. Pull one knee toward your chest, then quickly switch legs while keeping your core braced and your back straight. This is an excellent cardio and ab workout.
  
  
• Glute Bridges: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Press your hips upward until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, then lower with control. This strengthens your back and core.
  
  

Try doing each move for 30 seconds, completing three or four rounds with a short rest in between.

The best part of a September reset is its sustainability. By making small, realistic tweaks, you can build habits that last. It doesn’t require perfection—just a simple nudge in the right direction.

Source: sustainhealth

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.