Woodlands Fitness Centre

You Are Not Too Old to Start Over

Saturday 11th October 2025

Hello,

You Are Not Too Old to Start Over

Reaching a certain age often comes with a mix of wisdom and a sense of time running short.

It’s common to feel that starting over is a luxury reserved for the young, or that it’s too late to make significant changes. However, the truth is that age is not a barrier to reinventing yourself.

The real issue is not age, but persisting in unproductive routines or habits. If something isn’t working in your life, you’re never too old to make a change. Here’s why starting over is always a viable option and how to embrace the opportunity to create a better future for yourself.

The notion that starting over is only for the young is a misconception. Life is dynamic and constantly evolving, and so are we.

Many people have successfully reinvented themselves later in life, demonstrating that age is not an obstacle but a backdrop against which new opportunities can be pursued.

Historical Examples:

There are numerous examples of individuals who have started over later in life and achieved remarkable success.

Colonel Sanders began KFC in his 60s, and author J.K. Rowling published the first Harry Potter book in her 30s after facing numerous rejections. These stories illustrate that it’s never too late to pursue new goals.

Scientific Insights: Research has shown that the brain remains adaptable throughout life—a concept known as neuroplasticity. This means that we can continue learning and growing regardless of age. Embracing new challenges and learning new skills can rejuvenate our minds and enrich our lives.

The Pitfalls of Sticking to What Isn’t Working:

Continuing to follow paths that no longer serve us can lead to frustration, stagnation, and unhappiness.

Recognising when something isn’t working and making a change can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life. Here’s why persisting in unproductive habits is more detrimental than starting over:

Wasted Time and Energy: Sticking with methods or routines that aren't yielding results can waste precious time and energy. This can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, making it harder to pursue new opportunities when they arise.

Increased Stress: Persisting in a situation that isn’t working can cause significant stress and anxiety. This can affect your overall well-being, both mentally and physically, making it essential to reassess and make changes for a healthier life.

Missed Opportunities: By not adapting or changing course, you may miss out on new opportunities that could offer greater satisfaction and success. Life is full of possibilities, and holding onto what isn’t working can prevent you from exploring these new avenues.

Embracing the Opportunity to Start Over

Starting over can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and renewal. Here’s how you can embrace the chance to reinvent yourself and make positive changes:

Reflect and Assess: Take time to evaluate what isn’t working in your life and why. Reflect on your goals, values, and what you truly want to achieve. Understanding these aspects can help you identify areas that need change and set a clear direction for your new path.

Set New Goals: Define what you want to accomplish with your new beginning. Set realistic and achievable goals that align with your values and passions. Having a clear vision will guide your efforts and keep you motivated.

Develop a Plan: Create a detailed plan to achieve your new goals. Break down your objectives into smaller, manageable steps and outline a timeline for reaching them. A well-thought-out plan can make the process of starting over more structured and less overwhelming.

Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your new endeavors.

Whether it’s friends, family, or mentors, having a support network can provide guidance, motivation, and practical advice as you navigate your new journey.

Embrace Learning:

Be open to learning new skills and adapting to new environments. Embracing a growth mindset will help you tackle challenges and seize opportunities with enthusiasm and resilience.

Celebrate Progress:

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small. Recognising your progress can boost your confidence and reinforce your commitment to your new path.

In conclusion, the idea that you’re too old to start over is a misconception that can hold you back from pursuing a more fulfilling and successful life. Age is not a limitation but a testament to your experience and wisdom.

If something isn’t working, the real challenge is not in starting over but in continuing to do what isn’t effective.

Embrace the opportunity to reinvent yourself, set new goals, and make meaningful changes. By doing so, you can create a more satisfying and enriched life, proving that it’s never too late to make a fresh start and achieve your aspirations.

For more guidance, tips and information, please read the rest of our newsletter.

But first, here are our opening times, links to our website, some prices and more…

Gym Only membership:

This membership includes:

Unlimited access to Matlock’s best equipped gym.
Expert advice on setting calorie targets.
Discounted 1-to-1 PT sessions

Student (per month):

12 months: £26
3 months: £29
1 month: £32

Student prices are only for students in full time education.

Single (per month):

12 months: £31
3 months: £34
1 month: £37

Joint (per month):

12 months: £40 (£20 each)
6 months: £44 (£22 each)
3 month: £48 (£24 each)

Gym & Small Group PT Membership:

Unlock your fitness journey with our Gym & Small Group PT Membership.

Experience expert trainers and a diverse range of small group personal training sessions tailored to every fitness level.

Elevate your workouts and join a community committed to achieving wellness together.

Attending regular small group personal training sessions goes beyond the physical aspects of fitness. It provides a holistic approach that encompasses motivation, variety, social connection, and expert guidance.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, these small group personal training sessions offer a supportive environment to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

The Woodlands Gym & Small Group PT Membership provides comprehensive support at an affordable price.

The Gym & Small Group PT Membership includes:

Access to 21 sessions per week
Group sessions limited to 8 participants for focused attention.
Unlimited access to Matlock’s best equipped gym.
Expert advice on setting calorie targets.
Discounted 1-to-1 PT sessions

Group Sessions include:

Condition
Total
Upper
Lower
Core
Circuit
HIIT
Kettlebells

Small Group PT sessions are typically 45 minutes. However, we also offer 30 minute classes. These are condensed versions of our normal 45 minute groups, designed to pack in high intensity exercise to push you to the next level and really make the most of your time here!

These sessions are strictly limited to 8 people! This is to ensure you get a higher quality of coaching and support.

We always prefer an informal approach so we will be maintaining the booking forms in the gym.

All bookings can be made in the gym, by phone, e-mail or via social media.

How you book in isn't important; we just care that you attend regularly.

Here is a list of our group training sessions:
www.woodlandsfitnessrowsley.co.uk/group-pt-timetable

Small Group PT membership prices

Student (per month):

12 months: £30
3 months: £33
1 month: £36

Student prices are only for students in full time education.

Single (per month):

12 months: £34
3 months: £37
1 month: £40

Joint (per month):

12 months: £40 (£20 each)
6 months: £44 (£22 each)
3 month: £48 (£24 each)

Personal Training Packages:

The benefits of personal training outweigh your fears by a long shot and we can really help you achieve your goals. At Woodlands, we want to maximise your fitness experience.

Price per session (WFC Members):

These prices are for members who have an active WFC membership.

30 minutes (per session):

3 sessions per week: £15.00
2 sessions per week: £18.50
1 session per week: £22.00

45 minutes (per session):

3 sessions per week: £20.50
2 sessions per week: £24.00
1 session per week: £27.50

60 minutes (per session):

3 sessions per week: £26.00
2 sessions per week: £29.50
1 session per week: £33.00

Price per session (Non WFC-Members):

These prices are for members who do not have an active WFC membership.

30 minutes (per session):

3 sessions per week: £12.50
2 sessions per week: £13.50
1 session per week: £14.50

45 minutes (per session):

3 sessions per week: £18.00
2 sessions per week: £19.00
1 session per week: £20.00

60 minutes (per session):

3 sessions per week: £23.50
2 sessions per week: £24.50
1 session per week: £26.00

Please note:

All PT packages are sold in 4 week blocks.

These PT packages include:

Unlimited access to Matlock’s best equipped gym
Small Group PT Membership Access to 21 sessions per week
Calorie target setting advice
Nutritional support

All PT sessions must be used within a pre-agreed time period.

We use time limits with our personal training packages to encourage frequent and consistent training. Packages can be designed to your individual needs.

At least 24 hours notice of cancellation is required for all appointments just so we have sufficient time to rebook the slot. Notice of less than 24 hours will incur a full payment of the session fee. These are standard terms for all good PT's.

We can adjust the time limits in advance to take into account holidays, business trips, etc.

Opening Hours:

Monday: 7.30am 8.30pm
Tuesday: 8.30am 8.30pm
Wednesday: 7.30am 8.30pm
Thursday: 8.30am 8.30pm
Friday: 7.30am 8.00pm
Saturday: 8.00am 2.00pm
Sunday 8.00am 2.00pm

We always want to know what you think of the Woodlands Fitness Centre the gym, prices, personal training, group personal training, and anything else.

Please speak to us at the gym, email any feedback and suggestions to the email address at the end of this newsletter.

Thanks,

GW

Choose healthy cooking methods like baking, grilling, or steaming instead of frying.

Cooking methods can significantly impact the nutritional quality of your food.

Opting for healthier techniques like baking, grilling, or steaming instead of frying helps reduce excess calories and unhealthy fats.

Frying often requires added oils that increase the overall fat content and calories of a dish, while baking and grilling allow the natural flavours of food to shine without the need for excessive fats.

Steaming preserves the nutrients in vegetables, making it a great choice for maintaining their vitamins and minerals.

These methods ensure your meals are healthier, supporting your fitness and weight management goals.

Create a schedule

A structured schedule is a game-changer when it comes to consistency.

By blocking out specific times for workouts and meal prep in your calendar, you make them non-negotiable parts of your day.

Treat these times like any other important commitment. This will prevent you from skipping workouts or relying on unhealthy food choices due to lack of preparation.

Having a schedule helps build routine, making it easier to incorporate healthy habits into your daily life.

The more consistently you stick to your schedule, the more naturally your healthy habits will become a part of your lifestyle.

Maintain Good Gym Etiquette: Rerack Weights and Wipe Down Equipment

Respecting gym etiquette makes the environment better for everyone.

Always rerack dumbbells, plates, and barbells after use’s leaving weights scattered is unsafe and inconsiderate.

Wipe down machines, benches, and equipment after sweating to maintain hygiene. Avoid monopolising equipment, especially during peak hours.

Be mindful of personal space and allow others to work in between sets if needed. Avoid excessive phone use and loud distractions.

Practicing good etiquette not only fosters a positive gym atmosphere but also ensures safety and efficiency for everyone training.

A respectful gym culture benefits all members and keeps the space welcoming and functional.

Don’t eat too close to bedtime—give your body time to digest before sleep.

Eating right before bed can disrupt your digestion and interfere with your sleep quality.

When you eat, your body redirects energy toward digesting the food, making it harder to fully relax.

Additionally, consuming large meals late at night can lead to indigestion, heartburn, or weight gain, as your metabolism slows down while you sleep.

Try to allow at least 2-3 hours between your last meal and bedtime to give your body time to process the food. This not only helps improve digestion but also supports better sleep quality, which is essential for recovery and overall health.

Take a multi-vitamin to ensure you’re meeting all your micronutrient needs.

While a balanced diet should provide most of your nutritional needs, taking a high-quality multivitamin can help fill any gaps in your diet.

Even with a healthy eating plan, it’s often difficult to get enough of certain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc.

A multivitamin ensures that your body receives the micronutrients it needs for immune function, energy production, and overall health.

However, it’s important to remember that supplements should complement, not replace, a nutrient-rich diet.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regimen.

Mix up your vegetables: eating a variety ensures a wide array of nutrients.

Different vegetables provide different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for your health, so it’s important to eat a variety.

Rather than sticking to the same vegetables every day, aim to include a wide range of colours and types in your diet.

For example, dark leafy greens like spinach and kale offer iron and vitamin K, while orange and yellow veggies like carrots and bell peppers are packed with vitamin A and antioxidants.

A diverse vegetable intake helps ensure that you meet all your nutritional needs, boosting your immune system and supporting overall well-being.

Resistance training Preserves Lean Muscle

When you’re in a calorie deficit, your body can burn both fat and muscle for energy. However, resistance training helps preserve lean muscle mass, ensuring that most of the weight you lose comes from fat rather than muscle.

Muscle is essential for maintaining strength, function, and metabolic rate, so preserving it during fat loss is crucial.

By regularly challenging your muscles through resistance training, you send signals to your body that muscle tissue is vital, leading it to prioritise fat as the energy source instead of breaking down muscle for fuel.

Recipe of the week: Slow Cooker Chickpea and Spinach Stew

Ingredients:

400g chickpeas (canned or cooked).
200g spinach.
400g tomatoes (canned or fresh).
1 litre vegetable broth.
1 onion (diced).
2 cloves garlic (minced).
1 tsp cumin.
1 tsp paprika.
Salt.
Pepper.

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 5-7 hours.

Adjust seasoning before serving.

Enjoy your meal!

Exercise of the week: goblet reverse lunge

The goblet reverse lunge is an exercise that targets multiple muscle groups in the lower body. Here are the muscles that are worked during the reverse lunge:

1. Glutes: The gluteal muscles, located in the buttocks, are the primary working muscles during the reverse lunge. They are responsible for hip extension.

2. Quadriceps: The quadriceps muscles, located on the front of the thigh, are also heavily involved in the reverse lunge. They are responsible for knee extension.

3. Hamstrings: The hamstring muscles, located on the back of the thigh, assist in hip extension and knee flexion.

4. Calves: The calf muscles, located on the back of the lower leg, work to stabilise the ankle joint during the reverse lunge.

To perform the goblet reverse lunge:

Begin by holding a dumbbell or kettlebell with both hands at chest level. Your elbows should be pointing down and your feet should be shoulder-width apart.

1. Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips.

2. Take a large step backward with your right foot, landing on the ball of your foot.

3. Lower your body until your left thigh is parallel to the ground and your left knee is directly above your ankle.

4. Keep your back straight, your chest lifted, and your core engaged.

5. Push through your left heel and return to the starting position.

6. Repeat on the other side by stepping backward with your left foot.

7. Alternate legs for the desired number of repetitions.

It is important to maintain proper form during the reverse lunge to avoid injury. Keep your knee aligned with your toes, your back straight, and your chest lifted.

You can also vary the reverse lunge by using weights or changing the tempo of the movement.

Useless Facts

The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

Studies show that if a cat falls off the seventh floor of a building it has about thirty percent less chance of surviving than a cat that falls off the twentieth floor. It supposedly takes about eight floors for the cat to realise what is occurring, relax and correct itself.

Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every 2 weeks otherwise it will digest itself.

The citrus soda 7-UP was created in 1929; '7' was selected after the original 7-ounce containers and 'UP' for the direction of the bubbles.

The Woodlands Fitness Centre Ltd
A: Unit 27, Molyneux Business Park, Darley Dale, Derbyshire, DE4 2HJ
T: (01629) 733 123
E: woodlandsfitness@yahoo.co.uk
W: www.woodlandsfitnessrowsley.co.uk