Don't Wait for January: Why Fall Is the Best Time to Start Training in Valencia
Every January, gyms all over the Santa Clarita Valley fill up with people starting fresh. By February, most of them are gone. Anyone who works in a gym sees it every single year.
Most of those people aren't lazy. They just picked the hardest time of year to start, right after six weeks of parties, travel and stress, with no routine and a goal that feels way too big.
That's why I always tell people to start in the fall.
You have about 12 weeks before New Year’s
From mid-October to January 1st is roughly 12 weeks. That's enough time to learn good form, get stronger and make the gym a normal part of your week.
Building a habit takes longer than most people think. A study from University College London found it took people about two months on average for a new daily habit to become automatic, and exercise usually took longer than simple habits like drinking more water.
So if you start January 1st, you're still in the hardest stretch in February, which is exactly when most people quit. If you start now, you're past that point before the New Year crowd even shows up.
What about the holidays?
You've probably heard people gain five pounds over the holidays. It's actually less than that, but there's a catch. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found adults gained a little under a pound on average between Thanksgiving and New Year's, and they didn't lose it the rest of the year.
One pound isn't a big deal. But a pound every year adds up, and that's how a lot of us end up ten pounds heavier than we were ten years ago without noticing.
Training through the holidays helps a lot. You've got a set time on your calendar and a coach expecting you. You can still enjoy the pumpkin pie and the tamales. You just get to January in better shape instead of starting over.
Why starting in January is harder
- It gets crowded. January is the busiest month of the year for gyms. It’s hard to learn when you’re waiting on equipment.
- Good time slots go fast. Early mornings and right after work fill up first. Starting now lets you grab the time that works for you.
- Too much pressure. January goals tend to be all or nothing. Starting in the fall lets you ease into it.
What starting now looks like at Mind Body & Soul Fitness
We just finished remodeling the gym and added new machines, so it's a great time to come check it out.
One-on-one personal training. Train with me or with Tina. We'll go over your goals, see how you move and build a plan around your schedule and experience. Brand new, getting back into it after years off or working around an old injury, we'll start where you are.
Personal Training Starter Pack. This is the easiest way to get started. It's our entry-level package for people who want to try one-on-one training without a big commitment. You'll learn how to train the right way from day one and leave with a plan you can stick to.
Wellness services. Our wellness area has a body contouring package and a monthly wellness membership. Your first wellness session is at a low intro price so you can try it out first.
Kids classes. We have kids basketball on weekday afternoons and kids conditioning on Saturdays on our basketball court, so parents can get a workout in while the kids stay active.
Your first 12 weeks
- Weeks 1 to 4: Learn proper form, find your starting point and get into a routine of two or three sessions a week.
- Weeks 5 to 8: We start pushing a little more as you get stronger. Thanksgiving hits in here, and you'll go into it with a plan.
- Weeks 9 to 12: Keep your routine through December, parties and travel included, and start the new year ahead.
“I need to get in shape first”
I hear this all the time. You don't need to get in shape before you start training. That's what we're here for. Every workout is set to your level, and we're never going to throw you into something you're not ready for.
Questions we get a lot
Do I need gym experience?
No. A lot of our clients are brand new or haven't worked out in years. We start with the basics.
How many days a week should I train?
Two or three days a week is a great place to start for most people. We'll help you figure out what fits your goals and schedule.
What if I travel over the holidays?
We'll plan your sessions around it, and your trainer can give you a simple workout to do while you're away.
I have a health condition or an old injury. Can I still train?
Usually, yes. Just let your trainer know at your first session so we can adjust. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before starting a new workout program.
Where are you located?
We're in Valencia and work with people from all over the Santa Clarita Valley, including Saugus, Newhall, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch and Castaic.
How do I get started?
Book the Personal Training Starter Pack with the button below, email us at mbandsfitness@gmail.com or message us on Instagram at @mindbodyandsoulfitness.
Get started this fall
The people who start the new year feeling strong usually didn't start on January 1st. They started in the fall.
You've got 12 weeks. Book your Starter Pack and let's get to work.
– Jason, Owner, Mind Body & Soul Fitness
