5 Great reasons to hit the gym this november: It’s November and let’s be honest, going into winter can absolutely suck – especially for many of us who enjoy training outside, going for runs and seeing daylight! It’s colder, we’re turning on the lights at 4pm and we’re avoiding Mariah Carey and it’s not even December.
So what does all of this mean? For a lot of us, getting out of bed in the morning or having to get to the gym in the dark can feel crap. We’re less motivated and we can easily find an excuse not to go. However, November might just be the perfect time to start or continue your fitness journey.
reasons to hit the gym this november
1. Beat the January GYM Rush… in november
We all know that January is the busiest time for gyms, with a whopping 12% increase in new members. The January Rush is great for some but actually, for many more of us, getting to the gym in November is the key to having a great December! Avoiding the crowds, getting stronger before Christmas and generally being active leads to better habits and routines by the new year.
If you can start your fitness routine now, you can avoid the crowds and get a head start on your goals. You’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you by the time the new year rolls around.
2. Boost Your Mood and Combat SAD
With the shorter days and colder weather, many people experience a dip in their mood, or even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You’re not alone. Apparently it affects about 3% of the UK population whilst a general low mood also known as the “winter blues” can affect up to 20% of the UK population.
However there is good news. Regular exercise has been proven to be an effective way to combat these feelings. In fact, studies have shown that exercise can increase the production of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and you don’t need that long in the gym, just 20 minutes to see positive results.
3. Stay Safe and Secure
For many women, running or walking alone in the dark can be a daunting prospect. A recent campaign has highlighted that 72% of women feeling less safe when exercising outdoors at night.
This isn’t uncommon. Many feel that the dark nights stop them from getting out and feeling like they can enjoy the benefits of training. Being able to stay safe and to train is the most important thing for us at Aptitude.
4. Build a Strong Foundation for the Festive Season
Look… we get it! We’re human and we’ve already dived into luxury mince pies! We’re drinking too… Shock horror! We’re not perfect and pretending to be would be foolish. But, the festive season can mean that we go overboard without thinking too hard about it.
So, with the festive season just around the corner, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits. By building a strong fitness foundation now, you’ll be better equipped to resist temptation and enjoy the holidays guilt-free… Who knows, we may see you between Christmas and New Year at Aptitude.

5. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Times
Gyms are typically less crowded in November which makes it easier to get your workout in without having to wait for equipment – normally. Naturally we have a busier crowd 😉 But overall, November is a great time to get started on your fitness journey or to get back to training in the gym!
Whether you’re looking for a personalised workout routine with our trainers or wanting to try something new, we have the solution for you here at Aptitude.