A fresh start: How to get back into fitness after the winter holidays

The winter holidays are a glorious mix of joy and chaos - maybe you drank some champagne at noon, had way too much dessert, and couch time that could win gold at the Olympics. But now that the decorations are packed away and the new year is in full swing, it’s time to dust off your workout gear and get moving. Whether you’re ready to jump back on the bike or looking to try something new, this is your moment to reclaim your routine and undo some of those third servings.

Here’s how to rebuild your fitness game without taking yourself too seriously:

1. Make your comeback manageable

We get it - you’re tempted to dive headfirst into a two-hour workout like the fitness icon you were in November. But here’s the deal: doing too much too soon is the fastest way to burn out, or worse, injure yourself. Experts say that easing back into exercise is key to long-term success, as it allows your muscles and endurance to rebuild without overwhelming your body.

Start small. Think a short cycling session, perhaps one of our 15-minute sessions, or 10 minutes of gentle stretching to wake up your muscles. These bite-sized wins build confidence and prevent the dreaded soreness that comes with overdoing it. Even just showing up for a quick ride can remind you why you love to move—and let’s be honest, 10 minutes is better than another hour of scrolling on your phone.

2. Spice things up (because the same old thing gets boring)

After weeks of doing absolutely nothing (or maybe chasing toddlers, which is arguably worse), your body might be craving a change. Variety isn’t just fun—it’s a proven way to improve fitness. Many fitness experts suggest switching up your routine can help build a more balanced, injury-resistant body by targeting different muscle groups and keeping things interesting.

Why not try adjusting the intensity or duration of your rides to challenge yourself in new ways? Or focus on recovery and mobility with lighter sessions to give your body some love while staying consistent. The best part? Motosumo makes it easy to explore and find what works for you. Whenever you’re ready to mix things up; start small and see where it takes you!

3. Fuel your workouts

Post-holiday guilt might have you Googling “detox diets,” but trust us, you don’t need celery juice to bounce back. Some studies suggest that a well-rounded diet, including carbs, helps fuel your workouts and speeds up recovery time.

So skip the kale-only nonsense. Start your day with something hearty—think oats with fresh fruit or eggs with whole-grain toast. Pair it with coffee (obviously), and you’ll have the energy for whatever workout you’ve got planned. And don’t forget water—hydration before, during, and after training makes the difference between feeling like a champ or feeling like a potato halfway through class.

4. Set yourself up for long-term wins

Rebuilding your fitness isn’t just about the workouts, it’s about setting the tone for consistency. Experts agree that forming small, repeatable habits leads to long-term success. Instead of aiming for a complete lifestyle overhaul, focus on one or two achievable goals that fit into your daily life.

For example, schedule three short workouts a week that feel doable, not daunting. Block off the time as you would for a meeting. That’s easily done in the Motosumo app. Once it’s in your calendar, it’s harder to skip, -and you’ll thank yourself later for making it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

5. Stretch, recover, and don’t be a hero

Look, we love the whole “no pain, no gain” vibe as much as anyone, but recovery is non-negotiable. Stretching and mobility work not only help prevent injuries but also make workouts more effective.

Feeling tight or sore? Dedicate time to recover properly. Stretching sessions, foam rolling, or light recovery rides can work wonders in shaking off post-holiday stiffness. And here’s the fun part: share your progress to celebrate those small but important wins. Recovery isn’t just about resting—it’s about investing in the future you.

Your fresh start, your way

Here’s the truth: nobody’s expecting you to bounce back overnight. Fitness isn’t about perfect routines or epic comebacks, it’s about showing up, trying new things, and finding what works for you. And maybe even finding new training buddies, you don’t have to do this all alone. Whether it’s cycling, building strength, or just getting your body moving again, showing up is the real win.

You can always swing by and join our Facebook Motosumo Community to connect with others who are navigating the same challenges, sharing tips, and cheering each other on. Plus, don’t forget to use the sharing feature to show off your workouts—whether you’re back in the saddle or just starting out, your progress can inspire others. See you in class—probably not at 6 AM, but we won’t judge.