By our Gym+Fitness team
Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or trying to stay on track, building a consistent training routine can be challenging. The key to success lies in creating habits that are sustainable, realistic, and enjoyable! It is very easy to fall into an all or nothing mindset, but consistency over time is king – think progress not perfection.
Here’s some quick tips to help you build workout habits that stick:
Start by setting yourself clear, achievable goals that are going to complement your current lifestyle without too much disruption. When goals are too ambitious, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, which can lead to burnout and procrastination. Realistic goals, on the other hand, provide a sense of accomplishment as you tick them off, which will fuel your motivation and keep you focused. When choosing a goal or goals, remember to be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and have a Timeframe.
You’re more likely to stick with a workout if it’s something you enjoy. Experiment with different types of exercise— strength training, group training, cycling, yoga or swimming—until you find a routine that excites you. The more fun your workouts are, the less they’ll feel like work.
Once you have established your fitness goals and found an activity that you enjoy, build your routine by breaking down your goals into smaller daily habits. Consider these examples:
Failing to plan, is planning to fail. Establishing a routine reduces the mental effort of deciding when to exercise, and over time, it becomes part of your day-to-day life.
Keeping track of your workouts, whether through an app, journal, or fitness tracker, helps you stay motivated and visualize your progress. Celebrate small victories—like improving your endurance or hitting a personal best—and use them as fuel to keep going.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, trainer, or fitness group, having someone to share your journey with keeps you committed, and can help you push through days when you don’t feel like working out. They can also support you by celebrating your wins!
Remember, consistency is more important than perfection. Don’t get discouraged if you miss a workout or don’t see instant results. Be patient with yourself and celebrate every step forward. Creating new habits takes time, but with the right mindset and approach, you can create a lasting routine that will become a natural part of your lifestyle and see lasting improvements in your overall well-being.
