Why the Time of Year Actually Matters
Most people treat training like it exists in a vacuum.
Same workouts. Same expectations. Same “I’ll start Monday” energy.
Same shit all year round.
But your body?
Your mood?
Your recovery?
Your schedule?
The WEATHER?
They all change across the year.
Pretending the person you are in January feels the same as July, is like wearing flip-flops in a snowstorm — technically possible, but you’re going to regret it as your feet are going to get wet and cold.
The time of the year matters.
Here’s why.
Winter — The Real Test
Winter training separates the dabblers from the doers.
Why?
Because everything is harder:
- Dark mornings
- Dark evenings
- Cold gyms
- Cold outdoors
- Low mood
- Low motivation
- Festive social events
- Comfort food
- Shorter days
- Longer work stress
Winter is less about physical performance and more about mental resilience.
This is where accountability matters:
- Bookings
- Training groups
- PT sessions
- Classes
- Check-ins
Winter goals should be realistic:
- Maintain strength
- Keep moving
- Hit 2–3 sessions weekly
- Stay mobile
- Protect energy
- Avoid all-or-nothing spirals
Training doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to happen.
And let’s be real:
Surviving December through to February without hibernating is an achievement. Still not entirely sure why we don’t do this, wake up in spring, and just eat for 6 months before going back to sleep.
Spring — When Energy Crawls Back
Spring is basically nature’s caffeine shot.
The sun shows its face again (hopefully).
The days start to stretch out.
People stop looking quite so grey around the edges.
Motivation levels pick up without you forcing it.
This is the time to:
- Build momentum
- Increase training volume gradually
- Try new classes or a new training block.
- Push strength or conditioning a little harder
You don’t need to go full Rocky montage (calm down). Just take advantage of the natural energy boost.
Perfect focus areas:
- Light-to-moderate strength cycle
- Skill development (running form, mobility, technique)
- Getting consistent again after winter hibernation
- Longer walks/trail sessions
And honestly?
Everything just feels easier when it’s not dark all the time.
Summer — My Personal Natural Habitat
Ah summer.
I can almost feel the warmth again.
The season of BBQs, holidays, random heatwaves, kids off school, and trying not to train in a puddle of your own sweat.
Summer demands flexibility.
Because even the best training plan gets absolutely fucked over by:
- Heat
- Late nights
- Social events
- Travel
- Revoltingly hot gyms (thankfully, this is a line that has never been mentioned at the Den)
You’ll hear people say:
“I’ll get back on it in September.”
June-July-August = chaos for most humans.
But summer training is about:
- Hydration
- Recovery
- Minimal stress
- Choosing “good enough”
You can still make progress — you just need to avoid the whole martyr mentality.
Focus on:
- Shorter, punchier sessions
- More outdoor activities
- Running early or late
- Managing electrolytes
- Keeping a flexible mindset
It’s not about being perfect.
It’s about staying in the game.
Autumn — The Return to Routine
There is something about September.
Even adults feel the “back to school” vibe. (Mostly out of relief)
Everyone wants structure.
Everyone wants a plan.
Everyone wants normality again.
It’s the PERFECT time for:
- Strong, structured training blocks
- Strength gains
- Performance goals
- Full on Event Prep
- Building consistency
Autumn is stable.
Predictable.
Less chaotic.
Use it.
Dial in:
- Progressive overload
- Weekly routines
- Food quality
- Sleep patterns
- Recovery habits
Basically, autumn is the season where you can become an absolute training weapon.
So… what’s the point of all this?
The season affects:
- Mood
- Recovery
- Sleep
- Energy
- Hydration
- Movement
- Schedule
- Consistency
You can pretend that’s not the case…
Or you can work with the seasons rather than against them.
Fitness isn’t static.
Your life isn’t static.
Your training shouldn’t be either.
