Starting Strong: How to Get Moving and Commit to Your Fitness Journey

Caitlyn Davey • April 2, 2025

When it comes to improving your health and fitness, taking that first step can often feel like the hardest part.


Whether it’s the thought of stepping into a gym for the first time, committing to a membership, or simply finding the motivation to move, getting started is a challenge.


But here’s the truth: progress begins with action.


Let’s explore how you can overcome mental and physical barriers to starting—with sports science to guide you.


Why Moving Matters

Movement is medicine.
Regular physical activity brings
profound benefits:

  • Improves cardiovascular fitness
  • Reduces the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease


According to a study published in The Lancet, even 15 minutes of exercise per day can increase life expectancy by up to three years.

Movement also impacts your mental health:

  • Exercise releases endorphins—your body’s natural "feel-good" chemicals
  • Helps combat stress, anxiety, and depression


Key takeaway: Moving is one of the most effective ways to improve your body and mind.


Motivation: The Science of Getting Started

Motivation doesn’t come first—action does.


Research in sports psychology shows that taking action creates momentum, which then fuels motivation.

Here’s how to jumpstart your motivation:


Set Clear Goals

  • Write down your "why."
  • Whether it's building strength, boosting energy, or setting an example for your family, knowing your purpose will anchor your journey.


Focus on Small Wins

  • Break larger goals into small, achievable tasks.
  • Instead of committing to a full month, aim for one gym session this week.


Leverage Accountability

  • A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that people who shared their goals with a friend were 33% more likely to achieve them.
  • Joining a supportive community, like Rebuild Health and Fitness, can provide that encouragement and accountability.


Why Join a Gym?

If you’ve been working out at home or weighing your options, joining a gym can be a game-changer.


Access to Expertise

  • Learn proper technique to reduce injury risk and achieve results faster.
  • At Rebuild, we tailor programs to suit your individual needs, ensuring you move safely and effectively.


Variety and Progression

  • Access to equipment, structured programming, and expert coaching keeps your workouts engaging and effective.
  • Progressive overload—gradually increasing resistance or intensity—is key to strength and endurance gains, and is difficult to replicate at home.


A Community That Cares

  • Humans thrive on social connection.
  • Being part of a supportive gym environment enhances motivation and commitment, especially on the tough days.

Practical Tips to Get Started

Start with What You Enjoy

  • If traditional workouts feel intimidating, try a group fitness class or work with a personal trainer to ease into the experience.
  • Enjoyment is a strong predictor of long-term exercise adherence, according to research in Psychological Bulletin.


Prioritise Consistency Over Perfection

  • Progress comes from small, consistent efforts, not from doing everything perfectly.
  • Show up, and the results will follow.


Trust the Process

  • Building fitness is a journey, not a quick fix.
  • Focus on progress, not perfection—and celebrate every milestone along the way.


Ready to Take the First Step?

At Rebuild Health and Fitness, we understand that starting can be daunting.


That’s why we’ve created an inclusive, supportive environment where every movement is scalable to your fitness level.


Whether you’re new to the gym or returning after a break, we’re here to help you move, progress, and achieve your goals.



👉 Contact Rebuild now to sign up and take your first step toward a stronger, healthier you.

Remember: The hardest part is starting. Your future self will thank you.

Previous Blogs

By Rebuild Team April 24, 2025
When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. When the mornings are darker, the beds are warmer, and the rain seems endless, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll get back to the gym next week. But here’s the truth—winter isn’t a reason to pause your progress. It’s the season that separates the stop-starters from the ones who truly transform. At Rebuild, we know that consistency—especially when it’s hard—is what drives real change. So let’s talk about why winter consistency matters, what it does for your body and mind, and how to make sure you keep showing up. Why Consistency in Winter is Crucial Your body doesn’t know it’s winter. It only knows what you do. Skipping weeks at a time means reversing hard-earned progress, both physically and mentally. Research shows that regular strength training improves insulin sensitivity, bone density, and cardiovascular health—even more so when done consistently over time (Westcott, 2012). Momentum matters. Winter is also when stress, low mood, and fatigue creep in for many of us. Exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, thanks to the release of endorphins and the regulation of stress hormones like cortisol (Harvard Health, 2021). So if you're feeling flat—this is the time to move, not pull back. How Staying Active in Winter Helps You Long-Term You avoid the restart trap Every time you stop, it takes longer to get back to where you were. Consistent training keeps your baseline high and avoids the start-again cycle that leaves you feeling frustrated. You build real discipline Motivation will come and go. But the ability to show up regardless—that’s discipline. And discipline spills over into every part of life: work, family, even how you show up for yourself. You’re ahead come spring Want to feel strong, energised, and confident when the layers come off? That starts now. While others are hibernating, you’re laying the groundwork. How to Stay Consistent When It’s Cold and Dark Set a realistic routine Don’t aim for perfection—aim for doable. Three sessions a week with intention is better than chasing five and quitting by June. Train with people who lift you up Community keeps you accountable. It’s easier to leave the house when you know someone’s expecting you. At Rebuild, you're never training alone. Track your progress Strength, reps, conditioning—see the data change. That’s motivation you can measure. Focus on how it makes you feel Training isn’t just for summer bodies. It’s for better sleep, less stress, more patience with the kids, and feeling like you again. Winter isn’t the enemy. It’s the proving ground. So show up. Not just for summer. Not just for weight loss. But for strength, stability, and the version of you that doesn’t give up when it gets hard. We’ll be here, with the lights on, the music up, and a team that’s ready to help you stay consistent—whatever the weather.
By Caitlyn Davey April 2, 2025
5 Quick Tips For Living A Healthier Lifestyle
By Caitlyn Davey April 2, 2025
Tips For Muscle Building And Fat Loss
More Posts