How Long Does It Take To Get Fit

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40% of people are exercising less - let our expert tips help ease you in gently.

Did you know? Between April and May this year, there was an 200% increase in searches for 'how long does it take to get fit?'.

Lots of people used lockdown to get in their best shape yet – runners, we're looking at you – and were raring to go when gyms reopened last month. Others took it as a much-needed opportunity to slow down, and so now find themselves feeling less fit than this time last year.

FYI, one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to getting back to home workouts or gym sessions is the misconception that you've 'lost' your fitness level, and that you might have to start from scratch.

Just as these celebrity workouts prove, everyone's routine changed thanks to lockdown, but current stats still indicate that quite a few of you might just be being deterred by this, with one UCL study finding that 40% of the UK are exercised less during this final, gradually-eased lockdown.

So, to prove that there's no time like the present – and to get an expert answer about just how long it might take to get your old fitness levels back – we spoke to five PT's. Running shoes and sports bras at the ready.

Before we get into it, it's worth emphasising here: you don't need to get back to any level of fitness. Don't put pressure on yourself if it doesn't feel right right now.

"Our lives have changed ten fold since the beginning of 2020, and it's important to remember that your fitness goals are likely very different to what they were eighteen months ago. Why not try revising your goals to make them more relevant for your new lifestyle and way of working?," Lillie Bleasdale, personal trainer and head coach at PASSA shares.

How long does it take to get fit? A woman stretching

So, how long does it take to get fit?

This really depends on your personal definition of fit, your start point, how many workouts you do per week, and the end goal of your training, shares Bleasdale.

"If your definition of fit is to lose a few kgs, then you should be working towards a plan for at least ten to twelve weeks," she explains. "On the other hand, if your definition of getting fit is to become a sub three-hour marathon runner, then this could be a goal to work towards for several years, depending on your current fitness levels."

Overall, you should begin to see results from a programme within six to eight weeks, according to Beth Trueman, PureGym fitness expert. "There is no one size fits all when it comes to fitness, but as a rough rule of thumb, if you're exercising consistently and challenging yourself, that should be enough."

"It all depends on your starting point, end goal, and what kind of training you are doing, though," she shares.

What is considered the general definition of fit?

According to Laura Ruthnum, personal trainer and co-founder of PUSH PT, fit simple means 'fit for purpose'.

"Everyone's daily demands are very different, so really, fit just means being able to live your lifestyle well and without limitations," she explains. "Not everyone needs to be doing strength training, Bikram yoga or triathlons… your version of fit might look very different to your neighbour," she goes on.

Wai Yip, personal trainer at PureGym Leeds, agrees. "Being fit is being able to do every day activities in a mobile and pain-free way. Think walking uphill, playing with your kids, carrying the groceries or picking up a box," she explains.

What's the best way to get fit?

There is no right or wrong way – you need to workout what workouts work for you.

For example, you might love walking, and so do five thirty minute walks a week. Alternatively, three yoga sessions and a swim might be more up your street. Not forgetting Joe Wicks YouTube workouts and home workouts, too – basically there's no right or wrong, and the world is your oyster.

Do note here: you also won't see an improvement in fitness levels unless you're consistent with your training, or so says Yip. "Consistency is key – aim to exercising two to three times a week, at a moderately high intensity, with some kind of progressive overload – e.g. increasing number of reps, weight, time, distance, etc. If you're consistent, the results will follow."

How long does it take to get fit: Grandmother and granddaughter stretching on football field

Why might people be out of shape post-pandemic?

According to Jamie Baird, health and fitness coach and founder of gut-friendly Steeps One Shot, there are a myriad of reasons.

"Boredom from being at home and unable to get out and lack of enthusiasm, to name a few," he shares.

Not to mention the fact that home workouts – easy as they are – normally mean you've got no professional looking over your shoulder or holding you accountable. "Plus, you don't have the stimulation of doing live group classes or gym workouts," he explains.

Bleasdale agrees, adding: "The number of people working from home over doubled during 2020, according to ONS stats, so it's no surprise that our bodies have been more sedentary."

Sound familiar? Don't worry – getting back to your base level of fitness really won't be as hard as your brain is making it out to be.

How long does it take to get fit: people working out and stretching

15 tips for getting fit – or regaining lost fitness

1. Take it slow and steady

Results will come with consistency, shares Bleasdale.

2. Track what you're doing

This can be with an app or a good old fashioned notebook. "Make note of what you've done in each session so you can progress next time," recommends the coach.

3. Work with a trainer

If you have a specific goal and deadline in mind, then Bleasdale advises seeking out a professional who can remove the fuss and help build a plan to get you there. We reckon there are some great ones in this article, FYI…

4. Recovery is key

This one's important. If you go all-in in the first week and don't give your body enough time to recover, you'll burn out – and fast.

"Make sure you're getting enough rest and recovery as well as working your sessions," says Bleasdale.

5. Move in a way you enjoy

Again, a key component. "Make sure you're using an exercise modality that you enjoy," she emphasises. "There's no point heading out for a 5km run if you hate every second of it."

"Trial and error different workouts – this will help you find the one you enjoy the most and ultimately stick to."

6. Adjust your expectations

Don't expect to go back after a break and be running the same splits, or lifting the exact same as before, shares Ruthnum.

7. Have a plan

Your pre-pandemic programme may well be too advanced for you now – and that's okay. "Regress exercises back and adapt to your new found strengths and weaknesses," she shares.

8. Be patient

Try to tune out of what you see on social if its not beneficial for your mental health, advises the personal trainer. "If you're seeing people hitting crazy PB's and you find yourself getting down about your own performance, set your own boundaries," she advises.

This can mean muting, unfollowing, or just generally making sure you're in control of what you see.

9. Start with small goals

You need to keep your exercise motivation high, so Wei advises creating small goals that are easy to achieve to start with. "You need one small win every day – this is what's going to keep you motivated, which will keep you consistent," he shares.

10. Book it in

Look at your diary and plan which days and times you're going to exercise, he recommends. "Book it in like you would with a GP appointment. This is you making an appointment with yourself – and you are worthy of the effort it takes to show up for that appointment."

11. Don't fear repetition

Repetition is a good thing, he reckons. "If you're not getting a coach, stick to the same movements for the first four to six weeks," he advises. That way, you can track your progress, and when you can see progress, this will build your wins and motivation," he shares.

12. Be kind

And remember to have self-compassion. "Your goal posts have shifted – this is a new chapter in your fitness journey," Trueman explains. "Don't compare yourself to others, nor even with yourself twelve months ago. Be excited about achieving new goals, and don't be hard on yourself if you haven't reached your old fitness levels."

It's a new journey – enjoy the ride.

13. Don't start too hard

Although it can be tempting to go back in at 100mph, the first thing you need to do is take your foot off the gas and drop the weight or intensity of your workouts slightly.

"Make sure you've got a gauge for where you are at now," advises Trueman. "Going all in, too hard too fast will just lead to exhaustion and potential injury – only slowing down the process in the long run. So, drop the weight and intensity… slow and steady wins the race."

14. Stretch, stretch, stretch

Stretching is so important and key for looking after your muscles, promoting recovery, and improving flexibility, shares Trueman.

"This is especially important as returning to the gym after a period of inactivity may result in muscle soreness, otherwise known as DOMs. Schedule your stretching in like you would a workout – it pays off in the long run and helps injury prevention," she advises.

15. Be mindful

Or so advises Baird. "It is what it is, you are where you are now, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about that. Just get it done and move on, and stop worrying about what others think," he recommends.