Habits don’t form overnight. One of the biggest challenges in my wellness journey has been staying consistent with exercise. When I first started working out, I struggled to get moving and keep it up regularly.
One thing that never stays the same in my life is my routine. Juggling motherhood, running a small business, renovating a house, and daily tasks can quickly derail even the best workout plans. Learning how to stay consistent even when life is changing was key to making exercise a daily habit.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your physical, mental, and emotional health, yet many of us find it hard to stick with. Changing habits and mindset isn’t easy, but there are practical steps you can take to stay consistent. When I’m working out regularly, I feel less stressed and enjoy the physical benefits too.
Remove the barriers that stop you from exercising—time, money, motivation, accountability, convenience—and you’ll have a much better chance of meeting your fitness goals. Below are tips that helped me keep going, even when life threw curveballs.
How to stay consistent and motivated with exercise:
Make it a priority:
Block time in your calendar for workouts. Pick times and days that make it easier for you to follow through.
Pivot as needed:
This might be the most important tip. Life happens, so your fitness plan needs to be flexible. I always have a backup plan for days I can’t get to the gym.
Online programs are great for this—you can work out at home whenever it fits your schedule. There are options for yoga, kickboxing, HIIT, cycling, rowing, running, and more. I like being able to pick a workout based on my goals, mood, and energy. If I can’t go to the gym, I just stream a class at home.
Some programs I’ve used and liked:
– The Class
– Echelon
– Active & Fit Now
– Peloton
More ways to stay consistent:
Make workouts part of your daily routine:
Pair exercise with something you already do—work out after dropping the kids off, walk at lunch, etc.
Start small and build up:
Begin with 5 or 10 minutes. It’s easier to commit to a short session, and once you start you often want to keep going. On low-motivation days, I tell myself I’ll do 10 minutes—usually that’s enough to get moving.
Think beyond weight loss:
Focus on strength, stamina, balance, stress relief, heart health, and confidence.
Feeling stuck?
Consider working with a certified health coach. They can help with stress management, fitness, nutrition, and goal-setting.
Lay out your workout clothes:
I’m a sucker for workout gear—seeing my sports bra, leggings, and shoes ready to go motivates me. It also makes skipping much harder.
Make it social:
Invite a friend or partner to join you. Sign up for a class or try a new gym together to keep each other accountable.
Ditch the “all or nothing” mindset:
Something is better than nothing. On tough days I promise myself just 10 minutes. Often that’s enough to keep me going.
Try something new:
Mix up your routine with new classes or workouts. Variety keeps things interesting, and there are so many options to try in person or online.
Rest:
Rest days are important for recovery. Enjoy them—you earned it.