How I Finally Broke My Fitness Dry Spell
Chances are you’ve already been bombarded with information about making this year your ‘best yet’. Friends are leaning into Dry January, setting motivated resolutions (running marathons, learning languages), and restoring healthy habits. All of these efforts are undeniably virtuous. If, however, you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, you’re not alone. January is famously tricky for the mind and body. Blue Monday has just passed, and, to be honest, there’s something to be said for just making it through in one piece. So rather than aiming for a new fitness PB, how about we start more humbly, with finding a way to get through the gym door again? This writer recently found themselves in this very position – here’s what they did…
Identifying The Dry Spell
Falling into a fitness dry spell isn’t something you’re necessarily aware of… until one day you realise you can’t remember the last time you worked out. Postponing exercise until I was ‘back from holidays’, ‘feeling 100%’, or ‘work quietened down’ all felt reasonable at the time until the excuses became the new routine. As it turned out, giving myself an unlimited free pass wasn’t the break I needed. I felt sluggish, unmotivated and flat. And despite all the time off I was prioritising, I was far from rested. I wasn’t sleeping right and, as a result, my anxiety was taking on a life of its own. I needed to get out of my physical (and mental) rut.
Trying Something New
I’d toyed with looking into new trials and gym memberships, but nothing interested me enough to proceed to action. That is, until I was offered the opportunity to try Psycle London. You might’ve heard of the London-based fitness franchise, best known for its high-energy Ride classes, which, to someone who hadn’t done a spin class before, conjured images of Ariana Grande’s ‘Side To Side’ music video (think: fluoro lycra, high ponytails and neon lights). In reality, though, it was refreshingly different.
I went along to the Notting Hill studio for the first time, and on arrival, it was clear this wasn’t just ‘any’ fitness studio. The staff were easygoing and welcoming. The location was well-equipped with everything from bike shoes to borrow, free hair ties, ear plugs, and change rooms equipped with everything from free sanitary items to GHDs. Safe to say, there’s no scrimping at this gym. The only thing left to do was try the class…
How It Went
Clipping into the bike and learning how to adjust the seat and handlebars was slightly intimidating the first time, but the instructors were always more than happy to help beginners. Each class starts with a reminder of how to change your bike’s resistance and keep in time with the music (something, I soon learnt, was easier said than done). What surprised me, though, is how much familiar the format and setup felt by the second and third classes.
The dark rooms, illuminated with nightclub-esque light displays, meant you weren’t thinking about what you looked like. I particularly liked that you choose where you sit (which, for me, was always right at the back). Meanwhile, the lively music playlists made me want to dance, distracting me from how long it was until the end of the class.
In addition to the ‘rides’ and ‘climbs’ that structure the sessions, making for solid cardio training, Psycle also builds mental resilience. Mid-way through, instructors encourage you to think about why you’re there and identify what you want to achieve while reminding you that just showing up is something to be proud of. It’s judgement-free fitness, setting your own goals while celebrating the wins together. My favourite Ride sessions were with Chinelo, who kept the energy high when you needed it, offering a ‘you can do anything’ attitude and leaving you feeling empowered.
If Psycle sounds like something you’re interested in trying, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s not cheap (memberships start at £95/month), but I personally wouldn’t bat an eyelid spending this on a nice meal out with friends, so this says more about my priorities. Having said that, the studio hosts a range of introductory offers, so you can dip your toe in before committing to anything.
Also, the class times might not be convenient for everyone. There are a couple of classes after work during the week, but there are only morning sessions on weekends at Nothing Hill – perfect for early risers or those who prefer to get exercise out of the way first thing.
For the last few months, I’ve been going to two to three Ride classes a week. The takeaway? I feel good. I’m not doing anything remarkable, but I’m doing something, and my mind and body are better for it.
Find out more at Psyclelondon.com.
4 Things I’ve Learnt
While I am by no means a gym girlie, there are a few things that really helped me break the…. cycle of not exercising.
1. Find Something You Love (Or, At Least, Don’t Mind)
Spin might not be for everyone, or even for me forever, but it’s exactly what I needed. Finding something that didn’t fill me with dread every time I booked a class felt like a ‘win’ in my books. So try a new class, or venture outside your comfort zone with a trial booking – you never know, it might be what you’ve been looking for.
2. Follow The 2 Day Rule
Forming new habits is as much about motivation as it is about discipline. Of course, making time to rest and focus on other parts of your life (such as catching up with friends) is important, but the key is balance. There’s a rule that says giving yourself the day off is perfectly fine, but avoid taking two days off in a row. The idea is that two days can easily become three, and then you’re out of the routine.
3. Make It Easy For Yourself
Find a gym or studio you can go to on the way to/from work – nobody needs the hassle of trekking it across town mid-week when you’re already time and energy-poor. And pack your bag the night before so you don’t need to worry about faffing in the morning.
4. Look For Something More Than Just Exercise
If being shouted at by an instructor for an hour gets you through a class, you do you. For me, though, I’d prefer to forget the flashbacks to high school PE, so finding a class that includes mindfulness and mental well-being made all the difference. A more holistic workout allowed me to channel any uneasiness into my workout, making it an outlet in multiple ways.
