KICKSTART YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY THIS WINTER: EXPERT TIPS FROM THE FOUNDER OF JIM’S GYM

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James Hilton, founder of Jim’s Gym, shares his advice on starting a new fitness journey

Starting a new fitness regime can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Jim’s Gym, I help people over the age of 55 stay active and feeling great, all from the comfort of their own homes. My online gym offers live classes, on-demand workouts, monthly expert talks, and a thriving online community.

As well as a physical studio in the heart in Stroud, I’ve built Jim’s Gym with one clear mission: to improve the fitness and wellness of everyone over 50 locally and beyond.

Here are the top 10 questions I hear most often and my advice:

How do I start?
It’s all about starting small. I always tell people to start with something they enjoy, and that is easily accessible, such as short walks, without putting too much pressure on themselves on day one. Building a new healthy habit that you can maintain will be key in the long run. Remember, health is for life and not an overnight fix, so take your time and be kind to yourself.
What’s the best time of day to work out?
Honestly, there’s no “perfect” time to work out. It’s about finding what works best for you and your schedule. I’ve seen loads of studies with varying outcomes, but in the end, the most important thing is to move when it suits you, not to worry about the time of day. At this stage, the time of day is far less important than getting started at a time that feels right for you.
What should I wear to exercise?
Forget the fancy gear—you don’t need it! I regularly have clients who’ve never stepped foot in a gym, and the thought of investing in expensive gear was out of the question. The truth is, your feet don’t know what brand of trainers you’re wearing, and your favourite chinos won’t stop you from going to the gym or out for a walk. If you are comfy, then that's great; get moving!
How do I avoid injury?
Fear of injury is something I hear all too often. While it’s a valid concern, I always remind people that the benefits of moving far outweigh the risk of injury. Of course, there are steps to reduce your chances of getting hurt—like building up gradually, getting good sleep, eating well, and ironically, staying active. The more you move, the more resilient you become.
Is it ever too late to start exercising?
Absolutely not! Whether you’re 50, or 80, it’s never too late to start moving. In fact, the older we get, the more important it becomes to stay active. You don’t need to be an athlete; it’s just about being fitter, stronger, and more mobile than you were yesterday. Just 10 minutes a day will get you close to achieving the NHS Physical Activity guidelines.
How do I measure progress without the scales?
Weight loss is a natural side effect of becoming healthier and will come with time. Real progress is overcoming persistent pain, walking up a hill without getting out of breath, picking something up without feeling a twinge, and keeping up with the grandkids. These little wins add up fast and should be the focus.
How do I stay motivated?
For me, motivation starts with finding your “why.” I always ask my clients, “Why do you want to make this change?” Whether it’s about improving your health, being there for your loved ones, or just having more energy for daily life, once you know your deeper reason, staying motivated becomes much easier.
Do I need a fitness plan?
At first? No, not necessarily. Just moving more than you normally would is enough to get you fitter. That could mean taking longer walks, attending one regular fitness class a week, or even spending more time in the garden. A structured plan can help as you progress, but don’t feel like you need one to start.
How do I stay consistent when life gets busy?
Life can get hectic, but staying active doesn’t have to take up all your time. Research has shown that even a 10-minute workout or an extra 2,000 steps a day can make a big difference to our health. Little things like taking the stairs, parking further away, or doing a few squats while waiting for the kettle to boil can really add up.
What if I don’t enjoy exercise?
Exercise doesn’t need to be a chore! It’s all about finding something you enjoy - whether it’s dancing, gardening, or even playing with the grandkids. If you don’t love the gym, that’s fine—find something that makes you happy and keeps you moving. And remember, a lot of daily tasks count as exercise too, like cleaning the house or even changing the bed sheets!

Jim’s Gym is an online platform designed to help adults over 55 feel awesome from the comfort of their homes. With live classes, on-demand workouts, and expert talks each month, I aim to help older adults maintain their independence and enjoy life to the fullest. Based in Stroud, I’m proud to offer a service that empowers people to keep moving in an enjoyable way, no matter their age.

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James Hilton Fitness

Personal Trainer in Stroud and Online.
Inspiring people to reap the benefits of living a more active life.

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