Blog: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated with Fitness When It Gets Dark Early
Monday, 22 September 2025
As the days shorten and the evenings grow darker, we know it can start to get difficult to stay committed to your fitness routine. Without the warm weather and long, sunny days, many people feel their energy dip in autumn and winter. Staying active is one of the best ways to keep both your body and mind healthy though, so it's important to keeping exercising all year-round.
At Holmer Park Health Club & Spa in Hereford, we believe autumn can still be the perfect season to workout! If you've been wondering how to keep your workout routine going when the nights draw in, here are our top autumn fitness tips...
Tip 1: Adjust Your Workout Schedule
When it's dark by the time you finish work, it's soooo easy to skip the gym. Trust us, even we've been there! The trick is to try switching your workouts to the morning or lunchtime, (where possible), as you'll benefit from more daylight and higher energy levels then. At Holmer Park, we offer a wide choice of fitness classes throughout the morning and day, making it easy to find a time that works for you. Not feeling an exercise class early morning? Try a gentle swim or walk instead!
Tip Tip 2: Set Seasonal Fitness Goals
Just as the seasons change, so too can your approach to exercise! You may decide that while Summer was the perfect time to push for performance and build strength, Autumn might be the perfect time to take a gentler approach. Maybe you'll decide to focus on consistency, or recovery instead?
Whatever your preferred pace or goal, setting a clear target does help keep you motivated - if it's an achievable target. Our expert instructors can support you in setting realistic fitness goals, just ask!
Tip 3: Make Fitness Enjoyable
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to make exercise something you look forward to. Book a class you love, take a swim in our pool, or reward yourself with time in the sauna or steam room after a tough workout. Your fitness routine then becomes an experience, not a chore.
Tip 4: Stay Accountable
Dark evenings feel a lot lighter when you've got great company by your side. Exercising with a friend or joining a group class gives you accountability and can add a lot of fun to your routine. We're so lucky here at Holmer Park because our welcoming community of members are always happy to greet new class joiners, and keep motivation high for one another, no matter the season.
Tip 5: Try Gentle Evening Workouts
Remember, not every gym or workout session needs to be one that's high intensity. Autumn could be the time to embrace calming classes like yoga or pilates. These are excellent ways to improve flexibility while de-stressing and preparing for a good night's sleep, which can be ideal during the darker months! When the evenings draw in and our motivation dips, choosing gentler workouts can keep you consistent, without the pressure of pushing too hard... which helps you stay active and balanced throughout those darker months. Consistency is better than only one good week or two!
ready to embrace your fitness journey this autumn?
Staying motivated with fitness in autumn and winter is all about creating a routine that feels enjoyable and rewarding. At Holmer Park Health Club & Spa, our facilities, supportive team, and relaxing spa environment make it easier than ever...