Adding fitness to your routine can be tricky at the beginning, but the rewards are endless. Today I’m helping you get past that initial struggle with 5 Ways to Make Fitness Your Routine.
Hi friends!
Establishing a daily fitness routine is one of the best things I have ever done. I did ballet and dancing when I was young through college, but didn't keep up with it as an adult. I had many years in my 20's where I didn't do any sort of fitness at all. I thought I wasn't tough enough to be a gym person. Once life started catching up with me, I started off just going to a gym and using the elliptical three days a week. I didn't work very hard, but I was doing something. That habit eventually led me to picking up running as a hobby and even racing. A few years later I even ran a marathon. Now I consider myself someone who craves being active and willing to try to embrace any new workout. And here's the catch... I am happier, healthier and stronger than I was in my early 20's. Can't beat that!
I know how hard it is to start a new habit OR bring an old habit back, but I promise it is worth it. One of the most challenge parts of starting a new habit is getting over that initial period where it's not quite your routine yet and it feels foreign. The trick is to plan for that so you can start a fitness routine that actually sticks. Just follow my simple tips to make fitness your routine!
5 Ways to Make Fitness Your Routine
1. Decide When to Workout
Finding time in an already packed schedule can be the most challenging part of starting a new fitness routine. You may need to get up early, go on your lunch break or workout after work. Figure out when you can squeeze it in and write it down in your planner like a business appointment. I would carve out thirty minutes for fitness in the beginning. Treat that appointment like a new interview and don’t move it. Set a reminder on your phone and take it seriously. That shift in mindset can get you out the door.
Remember, you don’t have to start out by working out everyday. Start with three days a week and then increase your days to five to six days over time if you want. Make each workout count by staying focused during your time. Use your time to the fullest.
If you feel like you don’t have any time at all or you are responsible for tiny humans with no childcare, buy some workout DVD’s and do workouts at home before everyone gets up. That counts too!
2. Pick Something You Like
If you hate to run with every fiber of your being, you don’t have to run for your exercise. Go to a Zumba class or start Pure Barre. Pick something that you know will work with your personality and something you will not dread doing. If you are the type of person who gets bored easily, a big gym membership might be perfect for you. You can try a different workout every time you go.
Remember though that any workout may be unpleasant at first, but it will get easier. Give new activities a fair shot to turn fun before you turn your back on them. I used to hate running and look what happened!
3. Pack Your Gear
Don’t go out and buy ALL THE GEAR at one time, but do get a few workout pieces in technical fabric and make sure you have a good pair of shoes. If you are trying to run, I highly suggesting going to a local running store and get fitted for the proper shoes for your feet.
Keep your gym bagged packed and ready to go so you will have no excuses.
4. Go Slow
Start off any new activity slow. When I started to run I literally could not run more than a quarter of mile at a time. I had to take walk breaks until it got easier. In the same vein, if you have never worked out don’t go to the gym four days in a row to start. Your body will need a day to recover and rest. You can get injured if you do too much too quickly.
As you get used to the new activity, you will be able to push yourself more and more. Over time you will be amazed at what you can do and how you will feel!
5. Find Accountability
Tell your friends and family what you are trying to do and ask them to hold you accountable. You can also get support from group classes, beginning runner groups and even apps. One of the best ways is to find a friend who shares the same goals you have and do it together. You can run a race or simply meet at your favorite workout class each week.
They say it takes 21 days to create a new habit. Fitness is certainly one that is worth your time and those 21 days. Just think.... a month from now you can be someone who has a fitness routine and works out. You just have to make the time and actually put some work into making it happen. If you can get past that initial hump, you will find yourself craving those workout endorphins. Perhaps you will even be chasing the elusive runners high. I know you can do it!
If you're still having a hard time working out consistently, Restriction Recovery Coach, Katherine Edgecumbe, breaks down 4 main reasons you might be struggling.
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Your turn!
Any tips to add?
pet blog says
Like you, I am feeling better shape now than I was back in my student life. I also do some kind of daily fitness, even if it’s just a quick 15- 25-minute power walk. The benefits have been impressive
Sandie says
Love these great tips. Will follow some of them.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Love these tips! Scheduling time is key for me.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Nicole!
Kimberly Hatting says
Like you, I'm in much better shape now than I was back in my college days. I also do some kind of daily fitness, even it it's just a quick 20-minute power walk. The benefits have been phenomenal 😉
JulieWunder says
So true! Being active everyday helps so much.
Barrie says
These are great tips- laying out my clothes at night for the next day's workout is key for me - otherwise I will wake up my husband, and guilt myself out of doing it!
JulieWunder says
So true! Thanks Barrie!
Annmarie says
Scheduling my workouts ahead of time definitely help me stick to my routine 🙂
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Annmarie!
Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says
Great tips! If I don't schedule my workout, it is 90% less likely to happen. It makes such a big difference!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Sarah.
Agness of Fit Travelling says
Your tips are so practical, especially for people who find it hard to stick to a fitness routine, Julie. I really enjoyed reading your helpful and practical tips!
Clarinda says
Great tips, Julie! I like the always keep your bag packed! 🙂
Erinn says
Great tips! Scheduling a time to workout and laying my clothes out the night before have been a great way for me to get my workout in everyday!
JulieWunder says
ME too! THanks Erinn!
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
I had no idea that you ran the Chicago Marathon! I just went back and read your recap. Get this - I was a volunteer at the first aid station handing out water or Gatorade (I don't remember which). Small world!
I love the tip about accountability and how habits take 21 days to form.
JulieWunder says
Nooooo wayyy!!! What a small world! I wonder if I took water from you??? So cool that you volunteered- that's such a wonderful way to help!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Great tips! I would love to run a race with you one day!
JulieWunder says
That would be awesome!
The Frugal Exerciser says
Nice article I think I will send this to some clients that don't do their exercise home workout. #wowlinkup
Little Mrs Hurley says
Thanks Julie, I recently wrote a post on this on my fitness blog, although now I have streamlined both my blogs into one. I think tips are key in wanting to workout. I still use a paper and 'pen'cil planner, because it helps me to remember when I am actively writing things down. I don't pack a bag anymore, as I'm staying at home with my daughter, but I always set out my workout clothes the night before. That way they are ready to be worn right away.
Thanks and have a great weekend.
Jaime says
Not working out isn't an option for me. I feel awful if I don't exercise, and lunch hour is my best time with my schedule. It's now getting harder to exercise on weekends!
Cassi says
I workout at home so I don't have to worry about the bag.
Maybe add start small like walking around your block for 30 minutes. If you try to do an intense program (even slowly) right off the bat it's almost like you're setting yourself up for failure.
Farrah says
These are such great + simple tips! I fell out of my routine (again). My schedule keeps changing every couple weeks and it's driving me insane, but I'll find a way to make it work!
P.S. I love your top! :]!
Gingi says
Great post! I'm starting my fitness routine as soon as hubby is off paternity leave and I'm starting SMALL... just simple walks to the park and easy hikes. Thanks for being an inspiration girly! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
All your tips are spot on! My number 1 is accountability. If I tell someone I'm going to go for a run or meet them for a workout, I besta show up!
Beverley Cheng says
These are all great tips - especially having a workout bag ready to go! I always pack mine the night before so i'm not stressing about it in the morning. So much more convenient 🙂
Jess @hellotofit says
Loving these tips! It's all about making it a priority! Something that helped me was definitely starting slow - with my yoga journey, committing to just once a week of practice was a challenge, even though it sounded easy. Now I'm on to two days a week 😉
Danyelle Musselman says
Be accountable... so true! It always helps me to tell my hubby when I'm going to do something, that way I won't back out!
Jen @ pretty little grub says
Great tips. I really think it's all about making that routine a habit. It's funny because I used to be one of those people who exercised for a while and then quit for a long time. Now its been years of exercising and its just part of my life. I couldn't ever imagine there being a time now where I wasn't doing it.
Joanna @Makingmine says
These are great - I've learned that if my workouts are not scheduled and I don't have a bag packed, they will NOT happen! Adding kids complicates things due to childcare, but that just makes scheduling that more important! Great post! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Joanna! I can only imagine how the kids add a whole new factor to the "plan!"
Angelena Marie says
These are great tips Julie! I love having a workout routine and schedule set for the week, it makes it easier to stick to.
I am going to have to check out those accountability sites to find someone who has the same goals, what a cool idea!
Thanks for linking up!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Angelena! Great to see you today!
Annmarie says
Love this, great tips! Love the outfit you're wearing in the top pic too, super cute! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Annmarie!
missy beeker says
Hi Julie!
This is just what I needed to hear this morning! I just started a new workout rountine this week. I am not a morning person at all. But I have started getting up early to walk on the treadmill before work. I start around 4:15am to walk for 30 minutes before getting a shower for work. Hoping to work my way up to running. This article is great motivation for me. Thanks Julie!
JulieWunder says
Great job Missy! I'm really happy for you. Thanks for leaving me a message because it makes me so happy to know my articles helped someone. 🙂 I know you can get to running one day!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Starting slow and being accountable are the best tips. Knowing that someone is out there waiting for you is a great motivator. Nice tips
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Accountability is huge for me. If I don't have someone meeting me I'm much more likely to slack off or even skip!
JulieWunder says
That makes a lot of sense! I've always run on my own, but I run my mouth about what I'm doing to a lot of people so I'd still have to answer to someone if I decided not to do it- haha!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Great tips! Also, I need that long sleeve shirt. NO JOKE
JulieWunder says
Thanks! It is Pearl Izumi. I love it!
Blane Sherer says
Great tips Julie!
Like I have said before " you practice what you preach ".
You are a wunderful inspiration for all of us !
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!