As the summer draws to a close and routines begin to settle, many of us start thinking about getting back to the gym.

Whether your trainers have gathered dust during beach holidays or you've been soaking up sporting inspiration from events like Wimbledon, now is the perfect time to get moving again, but with care. 

Inspired by the Summer of Sport? Ease Back In 

With the England Lionesses winning the Euros for the second time in a row, sport is in the national spotlight. It's no wonder more of us are feeling motivated to push our limits and aim high.

But jumping straight back into intense workouts without preparation can be a recipe for injury. 

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, nearly 40% of all sports injuries happen when activity levels suddenly spike, typically between May and August. This means that as we head into August and September, many people are returning to training after a break and are more vulnerable than they realise. 

Enthusiasm Isn't the Same as Readiness 

"Summer holidays can be great for rest and fun, but they also mean most of us drop our routines," says Hayley Bonnick, Consultant for True Physio.

"Then we get inspired by Wimbledon or the Euros and suddenly want to train like pros again. That motivation is brilliant but it's so important to ease back in gradually and make sure you're preventing injury, not setting yourself up for one." 

Consider Physio and Massage To Reduce Risk Of Injury 

This is where sports injury physiotherapy and Sports Massage come in.

A tailored approach from a physiotherapist can help you assess where your body is now and where it needs to be. Functional assessments, mobility checks and strengthening exercises can highlight weaknesses or imbalances before they become problems. 

"If there's one thing we always emphasise, it's that enthusiasm isn't the same as readiness," says Ben Ratcliffe, Clinical Lead and Physiotherapist at True Physio. "Just because you feel ready to go full throttle after a break doesn't mean your body is. Building back slowly is key to staying injury-free." 

If you've taken a break from regular strength or cardio training, your body might not be as ready as your mind is.

Common issues like knee pain, back tension, or tendon flare-ups can often be traced back to a lack of preparation. Soft tissue injuries, which make up nearly three quarters of all sports-related A&E visits during busy seasons are frequently preventable. 

A massage can also help reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and ease post-exercise soreness, giving your body a better chance of adapting to increased activity. Combined with professional advice on warm-ups, rest days, and correct technique, it can make a real difference to your performance and your recovery. 

If you're thinking of getting back to the gym after the summer break, keep in mind the important of building a strong and safe foundation that'll carry you through the colder months ahead, not just the quick wins. If you're unsure where to start, consider speaking to your local physiotherapist or personal trainer. 

Clinics like True Physio, a northern-based clinic group, offer personalised support to help you get back on track, whether you're aiming to lift heavier, run faster, or simply feel your best again.