How to Stick with an Exercise Routine

You probably don’t need anyone to tell you exercise is good for you. The hard part is still doing it a few months from now, once the excitement of starting has worn off. A routine that lasts takes some planning. It also has to be able to bend when life gets in the way, and life will.

Start smaller than you think you should

Set goals you can actually hit. Start small, then build up how hard and how long you work out a little at a time. And pick something you enjoy and that fits the life you really have. Running, yoga, lifting weights, it doesn’t much matter which, as long as you’ll want to go back to it.

Make it fit your schedule

Working out at the same time every day, or on the same days every week, means one less thing to decide. You can also fit movement into what you already do, like walking or biking to work if that’s possible for you.

Get someone to keep you honest

A workout buddy helps. So does a group class. Or keep track yourself, with an app or a plain notebook. When you hit a milestone, mark it and give yourself a reward. It sounds a little silly, but it can keep you going.

Let it change

Things will come up. You’ll get sick, or travel, or have a crazy month at work. Being willing to adjust is what keeps one bad week from ending the whole thing. Switch up your workouts, find a new way to challenge yourself, or take a break when you need one, and then come back to it.