How to Build a Sustainable Fitness Routine You’ll Stick To

Starting a fitness routine can be lots of fun however finding ways to keep going can be tricky. People often get very excited about starting but then after a few weeks lose the enthusiasm. We can get busy, lack motivation and set ourselves unrealistic expectations which can lead us to not being consistent with our workouts.

The key to gaining long term fitness is setting realistic goals. Creating a routine that can easily be fitted into your lifestyle.

Practical tips to help you create sustainable fitness habits

1. Set Realistic Goals

A common mistake people tend to make is setting themselves too high of goals. You may want to work out for an hour each day but if you’re not very active at the minute this may overwhelm you.

Start off with small goals such as walking for 15 minutes, working out 3 days per week or doing some easy stretches.

Once you become fitter, increase the amount of time and difficulty of your workout. This will help you gain confidence.

2. Choose Activities You Enjoy

The more you enjoy your workout the more likely you will stick with it.

Fitness doesn’t always have to be lifting weights. You can still be active by walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, yoga or doing a home workout.

Try some different exercises and see what makes you feel comfortable and motivated.

The best workout for you is one that you can realistically stick to.

3. Plan Your Week

Creating a plan can help you stay consistent. Decide which days and times you will work out.

Maybe you decide to walk on Monday, Wednesday & Friday and do some easy stretching on other days.

However, don’t be too strict with your plan. If something comes up and stops you from working out, change your plan.

Being flexible can help you stay active without feeling guilty.

4. Get Active Throughout The Day

You don’t have to rely on your workout to get more active.

Small lifestyle changes can help you be more active throughout the day. Try taking short walks, taking the stairs, stretching and going outside.

These small activities can all add up.

5. Take Time To Recover

Taking time to rest is an important part of creating sustainable fitness habits. Giving your body time to recover.

Having enough sleep, staying hydrated and having days to recover can help reduce extreme tiredness. Don’t push yourself if you are in extreme pain or experiencing anything unusual. As a beginner try to slowly increase your activity and consult a professional where necessary.

6. Track Your Progress

Many people track their fitness progress based on how much they’re losing/gaining in weight however there are many ways you can track your progress.

You may find that your stamina has improved, you’re more flexible, stronger, sleeping better and have more energy throughout the day.

Keep a simple log of your workouts and achievements. Knowing that you’re improving can help you stay motivated.

7. There Will Be Days You Don’t Want To Work Out

There will be days where you feel tired, busy or just not as motivated. This is completely normal.

Don’t give up! When you can get back into your routine. Being consistent doesn’t mean you have to work out perfectly every single day. Just try your best to be consistent.

If you don’t feel like doing a full workout maybe go for a short walk or do some easy stretching.

Final Thoughts

Creating sustainable fitness habits is all about creating healthy habits that fit into your lifestyle.

Set realistic goals, choose activities you enjoy, create a flexible plan, take time to recover and celebrate your progress.

Most importantly, fitness is a long term goal.

You don’t need a perfect workout plan to get healthier. You need a routine that you can get back into, enjoy and stick to.