The People's Gym · Cork
Getting back into the gym after years off
You were fit once. Then work, kids, an injury or just life got in the way, and now the thought of walking back into a gym is worse than the thought of never going. Our personal trainers build 30-minute sessions around where you are now, not where you were, at our Douglas and Ballincollig gyms.
Coming back
Start where you are, not where you were
The biggest mistake returners make is training like the person they were ten years ago. The body remembers, but it needs a few weeks to catch up, and a coach to hold it back at first.
No catching up to do
You are not behind anyone. Everyone in the room is on their own programme, and your coach starts from what you can do today.
The body remembers
Muscle memory is real. People who trained years ago come back faster than beginners, as long as the first weeks are sensible.
Old injuries
The knee, the back, the shoulder that ended it last time. We build around them and, if you have a physio, we follow their advice.
Sensible, then progressive
Light loads and good technique for the first few weeks, then the weight climbs steadily. No heroics in week one and no week-two injury.
Short and coached
30 minutes, a coach guiding you, and out the door. It is much easier to come back to than an hour you have to plan yourself.
Packs never expire
If life gets in the way again, nothing lapses. You pick up where you left off instead of starting a new membership from scratch.
Real Google reviews
From members who started where you are
In their own words, straight from Google.
"Hadn’t been to a gym in years but as soon as I came through the door, the welcome, the support and professionalism was brilliant. I actually look forward to my sessions. I feel better about myself, stronger and more energised."
"I joined ATP Fitness about a year ago after a few years away from training, and I couldn’t be happier. From the very first day the team made me feel welcome, and it never felt daunting or intimidating. … The positive atmosphere has really helped me get back into training and enjoy it again."
"ATP Fitness is a great place to start your fitness journey, especially if you haven't exercised in a long time! I hadn't done any exercise in nearly 2 years so I was really nervous about getting started and was out of breath even just warming up but the team or trainers put me at ease and adjusted each session to suit my fitness level."
"I’ve since had two kids and unfortunately not been able to go as much as I’d like now but no matter how long of a gap I’ve had to take from ATP the minute I go back I always feel so welcome! It’s the place to go to train! All the staff are super friendly & you even have a laugh while training!! It’s great!"
How it works
Restarting at ATP
Most of the people who walk into ATP are not beginners. They are people who trained years ago, played sport, ran, went to classes, and then stopped. Something got in the way and the gap grew, and the longer it grew the more daunting the return became. If that is you, the good news is that you have done this before and the body has not forgotten. The other news is that you cannot start where you left off, and trying to is how returners get hurt in the first fortnight.
What a session looks like
You train 1:2, one coach and two clients, each on your own programme, for 30 minutes. The first session is a conversation and some easy movement so your coach can see how you move now. The first few weeks are technique and light loads, working around anything that is sore. Then the weight goes up steadily. Most returners are surprised how quickly strength comes back once the foundation is in. Two sessions a week is the sweet spot.
The walk through the door
Both gyms are small, coached and quiet in the personal training area. Nobody is filming, nobody is watching, and the age and shape range is the whole of Cork. Your coach is expecting you and knows your story from the form. That first walk is the hardest bit and it is over in about four seconds.
Getting started
Your first session is free. Claim it below and tell us how long it has been and what stopped you, if you want to. It is a real coached 30-minute session at Douglas or Ballincollig, no card and no commitment. If you have never trained before, our beginners page is the one for you, and if it is nerves rather than time that is in the way, our gym anxiety page is written for that.
Memberships & pricing
Simple, flexible pricing
Personal training from €20.56 a session on a rolling membership, €35 pay as you go, and no-expiry packs from €289. See full pricing →
FAQ
Coming back questions
If yours is not here, give us a ring. We would rather talk it through.
It has been ten years. Am I too far gone?
No. People come back after twenty. The body remembers more than you think, and with a sensible first month the strength returns faster than it did the first time.
I am carrying a lot more weight than I used to. Is that a problem?
Not for us. Strength training is the best thing for it, and the programme starts from what you can do today. Nobody in the room is comparing.
I stopped because of an injury. What if it happens again?
Tell us what it was. We build around it, follow your physio's advice if you have one, and load it gradually. Most old injuries do better with strength around them than without.
Do I need to get fit before I come in?
No. That is the most common reason people never come back. The session is the getting fit part, and it starts wherever you are.
What if I stop again?
Our packs never expire, so nothing is lost. You come back when you can and pick up where you left off, and we will not make a fuss about the gap.
Is it a class or personal training?
Personal training, 1:2. One coach with two clients, each on their own programme, so you are never keeping up with a room.
How much does it cost?
Rolling memberships start at €179 every 4 weeks for two sessions a week, and our no-expiry packs never lapse. Your first session is free, no card and no commitment.
Get started
Claim your free session
Tell us a little about yourself and a member of the ATP team will be in touch to book in your free session.
ATP Fitness App
Manage your sessions on the go
Book your PT & classes straight from your phone, manage your membership and top up credits any time.
Find us
Two locations across Cork
Douglas
2nd Floor, Unit A1, Donnybrook Commercial Centre, Donnybrook, Cork City
Tel: 087 649 4134
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Ballincollig
Unit 1A, Link Road Business Park, Carrigrohane, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Tel: 085 725 2370
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed