Getting back into exercise after a long time can feel scary. Maybe you’ve gained weight, feel out of shape, or haven’t thought about your health in a while. That’s okay! The hardest part is starting—but you don’t have to do it alone.
There are elite, private, and highly personalized fitness experts that can help, and we’ve got some tips on how to get ready for a restart. My number one tip is to avoid big-box gyms with overcrowded spaces and inexperienced trainers. Those spaces feel overwhelming and discouraging to people who are restarting their fitness journey. Having an army of sales-oriented trainers eager for a commission is not going to make you feel good. Neither is feeling rushed by lots of super fit people with headphones asking if you’re done yet. Instead, find a gym whose focus on exclusivity, expertise, and true one-on-one coaching tailored to you. A kinder, more concerted approach in a private setting will make a huge difference! If you’re ready to get stronger and feel better. This guide will help you push past the doubts and get started.
1. It’s Okay to Feel Nervous
Many people worry about being out of shape, struggling through workouts, or feeling embarrassed. Those feelings are normal, but they don’t have to stop you! You are taking a step toward better health, and that’s what matters. Everyone was a beginner once, and most people have been back after a hiatus, whether it was an injury or just life. And trust me, no one in the gym is focused on you, everyone’s busy focusing on themselves. This worry about looking silly is one of the reasons why we do not have mirrors at The Athleticus! I find that people are much less self conscious and much more likely to give new things a try when they aren’t focusing on how they look.
Getting a bit of info can also help with nerves. When checking out difference facilities, definitely look for testimonials and reviews. A great training studio should have dozens! And while it may feel really hopeless when you go to a gym and it really isn’t for you, remember – there are many, may gyms and studios, and lots and lots of trainers! Maybe the one you spoke with just wasn’t a fit! Imagine if after going on your very first date you had decided, that guy or girl isn’t the one, I’m just giving up dating. Would that be an accurate measuring stick for the entire concept of romance?
Meet James, 72
James (client’s name has been changed) had been active most of his life, but after retirement, he stopped exercising. After years of sitting too much, international business travel (and dinners!) and dealing with joint pain, he knew he needed help. He was worried about looking weak in a gym full of young people lifting heavy weights. Instead of going to a public fitness center, he chose The Athleticus, where he could train in a private space with an expert trainer. The extensive experience of working with older adults that he was able to read about online was what convinced him to give it a go, James said. After just a few sessions of strength training and mobility work, he felt more confident. Today, he moves with less pain and enjoys his workouts. And is making a lot of progress in his mobility! He’s even riding a bike again, which he was a bit afraid to do for years. The confidence he’s built up with continuous and long-term strength training allows James to think about getting a puppy, which is something he wasn’t sure he could do at his age. But now he’s sure he can!
Try This:
Write down your worries and then remind yourself of the truth. Example:
- Worry: “I’m too out of shape to work with a trainer.”
- Truth: “A trainer’s job is to help people of all levels. They will help me start at the right pace.”
Extra Tip:
Close your eyes and picture yourself feeling strong and happy after a workout. This can help you feel more confident. If you’d ever trained before, remember how you felt after a good session. That feeling comes back, fast! And so does technique, confidence, and strength.
2. Choose an Expert Trainer in a Private, Niche Studio
Not all trainers are the same. Big-box gyms often hire inexperienced trainers who rely on cookie-cutter programs that don’t suit your needs. Their primary skill set is in sales. Same goes for independent trainers. They have multiple jobs and juggle several gigs, with their primary skill set being in sales and marketing – getting clients but not necessarily delivering the services. At boutique local studios, it’s different. We for example specialize in private training, ensuring that every workout is designed specifically for you. You deserve a professional who understands your body, your goals, and your limitations. Whereas large gyms work on volume – more memberships sold, smaller studios work on retention – returning, long term clients and referrals. That can only happen when goals are met and results are seen.
Meet Susanne, 56
Susanne (name has been changed) had been a busy professional for decades, rarely making time for herself. After gaining weight and feeling stiff, she knew she needed expert help. She didn’t want to go to a crowded gym where trainers lacked experience with mature clients. She’s had a bad experience before, where she felt embarassed and very uninformed. That experience kept for out of a gym for almost a year. Recently, she came to The Athleticus, where she received hands-on coaching from an expert trainer in a private, exclusive setting. Within months, she felt more energized and confident. Now, she enjoys lifting weights and feeling stronger than ever. While her weight on the scale went down by only a few pounds, Susanne is really happy with her progress. She’s noticed that her clothes are so loose that she’s had to buy new ones, and her body scan readings have consistently shown a decrease in body fat while she’s gained 4 pounds of muscle. That body recomposition is what it’s all about!
Try This:
Look for a trainer who:
- Works in a private, exclusive fitness studio
- Has extensive experience with high-end, individualized training and goal achievement for their clients
- Creates a plan just for you, rather than using generic workout templates
Extra Tip:
Ask about the trainer’s qualifications. Many big-box gym trainers have minimal certifications, while boutique studio trainers have years of specialized education, including Bachelor and Masters degrees in Sports Science, Physical Education and related fields. Hands on experience matters too. Look for a trainer who’s worked with people like you, and helped them achieve goals that are similar to yours.
3. Start with a Private Consultation, Not a Generic Gym Tour
Unlike big gyms that push memberships with little personalization, a high-end fitness experience starts with a real conversation. Your first meeting with a trainer shouldn’t be about selling—you should have a private, in-depth discussion about your goals, limitations, and what’s best for you.
Try This:
Before your first meeting, think of a few questions to ask:
- “What experience do you have working with clients like me?”
- “How do you create personalized strength and mobility programs?”
- “What makes this studio different from a regular gym?”
Extra Tip:
Take note of how the studio makes you feel. A true boutique fitness experience should feel calm, inviting, and professional—never overwhelming.
4. Training is an Investment in Yourself, Not a Punishment for What You Ate
Fitness should never feel like a chore or an obligation. When you work with an expert trainer in a boutique setting, every session is an investment in your health and well-being. Excellent fitness studios are designed for those who want more than just a workout—they want expertise, exclusivity, and a place where they feel valued. Shaming, rushing people or pushing add ons and products should never enter the picture. If you hear about upsells, required supplements or more expensive packages from your new trainers – run! Same for trainers who offer 30 minute training sessions. That’s a way to fit more clients and make more money, not a way to get quality results or help anyone achieve a goal.
Try This:
Reframe your mindset from “I have to work out” to “I get to train with an expert who truly understands my needs.”
Extra Tip:
Think about the difference in quality. A private, highly trained fitness expert is far more valuable than a generic gym trainer juggling multiple clients at once. After all, you have a goal in mind.
5. Take Small, Expert-Guided Steps
When you train in a high-end studio, there’s no pressure to keep up with a crowd or follow a one-size-fits-all plan. At The Athleticus, we focus on sustainable progress and smart, measurable training. The right training team will help you get through inevitable plateaus, find workarounds when you travel and be able to create a strategy for holidays, illnesses and any other life shifts.
Try This:
Set personalized goals with your trainer, such as:
- Strength training twice a week in a private setting
- Improving mobility with customized movement drills
- Celebrating milestones unique to your body and abilities
Extra Tip:
Track your progress with your trainer. Boutique studios offer hands-on guidance, so you always know how you’re improving. Ideally, your trainer will keep meticulous notes, and have an objective way to measure your progress. We for example use an InBody body composition measurement to track your body fat and muscle changes and log all of your lifted weight reps and sets, but you can also use progress photos, or a tape measure.
6. Experience the Difference of One-on-One Attention
In a big gym, you might be one of many clients a trainer is juggling. At The Athleticus, you receive undivided attention, and always have two trainers. Your trainer watches every movement, ensuring perfect form and optimal results. And with two sets of expertise and coaching styles you will progress much faster.
Try This:
Notice the details—does your trainer adjust your technique? Do they explain why you’re doing each movement? This level of attention is only found in boutique studios, not crowded gyms with part time gig workers.
Extra Tip:
Listen as your trainer explains how each exercise benefits your body. Knowledge builds confidence and trust in your training process.
7. Celebrate Your Wins in a Supportive, Exclusive Space
Training should feel rewarding, not intimidating. In an elite setting, you’ll never worry about judgment or feeling lost. Your trainer is fully invested in your success.
Try This:
Reflect on personal victories, like:
- Mastering a new strength movement with perfect form
- Noticing better mobility and posture
- Feeling more confident in your own skin
Extra Tip:
Enjoy the experience. Training in an upscale studio is designed to make you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
8. Prioritize Your Health with a Premium Approach
Pace yourself and allow yourself some grace. Returning after a long hiatus is really hard! So, find ways to be gentle with yourself and understand that this is a process. you can always consult your coaches but you might also want to do a bit of research. Some people really enjoy trying out new healthier foods, or finding a great pair of leggings that make them feel like they are finally on their way. Experiment and find ways to make this experience one that feels positive. Immediate results are of course not possible but from day 1, you are a person who works out. You are a person who is living a healthier life and prioritizing fitness. That’s a win!
Try This:
Commit to a regular schedule in a setting that values your progress. Keep that appointment!
Extra Tip:
Tell your trainer what motivates you. This allows for an even more customized experience tailored to your goals.
9. Set Reasonable Expectations
Forget the before and afters you’ve seen online. The truthful huge transformations where someone looks like a completely different person take 2-4 years, not 6 weeks. I know, that sounds almost impossibly depressing! But it doesn’t have to be. Imagine yourself living that life, having that body, feeling like you imagine that would feel like. You can allow yourself to start feeling that way now! A true habit of regular exercise takes about 7 months to become solid. Health results take 4 – 12 months. Aesthetic results – visible changes take 6 – 12 months to really show. So, please be realistic in what you expect from yourself and your training. And remember that 6-12 solid months can change your life completely but 10 different 6 week restarts never will.
Try This:
Work with your trainer to find weightlifting and mobility exercises that you genuinely enjoy.
Extra Tip:
Ask your trainer how they continue their education. True experts never stop learning and refining their craft. And they’ll love sharing!
Final Thoughts: Choose the Best for Yourself
Deciding to train again is a powerful step, and where you train matters. At The Athleticus, we provide the highest level of expertise, privacy, and individualized attention. No matter where you’re starting, you are making the best choice for yourself. Read about your training options, and commit to your fitness!
One Last Reminder:
Big-box gyms aren’t designed for true personal growth. You deserve expert training in an exclusive, high-end space. Choose quality, choose expertise, and choose you.
