Thomson, who was one of the best for the Highlanders throughout the season, told the Otago Daily Times after last Friday night's game against the Blues in Auckland, that now was not the time to relax and put his feet up.
"I'll just put my head down. I've got a bit of work to do. With playing rugby week in, week out, you do not really concentrate on your fitness and gym-based stuff too much," he said.
"I'll really hit that hard and hope for the best with the rest of the year."
Thomson (29) has come through the season with a few bumps and bruises, having cracked a couple of ribs against the Chiefs six weeks ago and he wore a protective bandage in the past couple of games to guard the injury.
He must come into serious All Black contention, although not playing in the finals series will not be a big help for his aspirations.
A sprig through his boot against the Waratahs last week has also left him with a nasty gash on his big toe.
Looking back over the season, Thomson said he was satisfied on how it had gone.
"I'm pretty happy with what I've done. I started pretty well and then got a bit upset with injuries, which is disappointing. But that is part and parcel of rugby and now I've got to get myself right.
"It's all been done now. Time to look ahead."
The blindside flanker said the side was obviously disappointed with the way the season had ended, with four straight losses, kissing goodbye to the playoffs.
Perhaps the side performed better when it was the underdog and no-one was backing them, he said.
"In the last month we have been in unfamiliar territory. We seem to do better when our backs are against the wall.
"We were going into games where we were the favourites and ended up losing games we should have won. But we'll learn from that and come back a better team.
Thomson, who brought up his 50th game for the Highlanders late this season, said he had no regrets about not moving to another franchise last year when his contract was up for renewal.
"I'm very happy where I am. Love what we are about and proud to be able to wear that jersey and be able to get us back on the climb again. I'm very proud to be a part of that."
He said getting some players with ability to break a game open would be a real bonus to a team which already had a good base.
"I'd like to think what we've done down here in creating a culture and winning a few games and turning the team around will show people that the Highlanders are a good option. Players can see they can come down and play some good rugby, and promote themselves.
"I'm sure Jamie [coach Jamie Joseph] is working hard in the off season to pick up some new recruits and add to the good base we have here now. He said playing in a new covered stadium would help attract players.
"I'd love to look up and see a guy like say Toeava break the line. Who wouldn't ? Those sort of guys would be great."
