From struggling to get into exercise to loving your workouts – just 8 weeks of committing to yourself can change everything.
How I Finally Learned to Get Into Exercise and Stay Consistent for Good
Staying consistent with workouts has always been a struggle for me. I’d get motivated, work out for a couple of weeks, then fall off. A few months later, I’d try again – same cycle. I tried everything – gym memberships, workout classes, different at-home exercises – but nothing stuck for more than two months. And by “stuck,” I mean 4-5 workouts a week. Most of the time, it was 1-3, maybe 4 if I really pushed myself.
I even signed up for a half marathon, thinking it would keep me accountable. Spoiler: it didn’t. I ran the race with barely any training, injured my knees, and wasted $80 on a running app I barely used.
At that point, I had to ask myself: Why couldn’t I stay consistent? I had the motivation, but not the discipline. The problem wasn’t just willpower – it was about making time, building a routine I actually enjoyed, and prioritizing convenience.
So this year, I made a promise: no more quick-fix challenges or temporary routines. I wanted a real lifestyle change – something I could stick with long-term. If I had to shift things around in my life to make workouts fit, I would. My goal isn’t just to stay consistent for a few months, but to make fitness a permanent part of my life. Right now, I’m eight weeks in – and for the first time, it finally feels sustainable.
If you’ve ever struggled to stick with fitness, I get it. I’ve been there. But here’s what finally worked for me.
Overcoming the Initial Struggle of Getting Into an Exercise Habit
First things first: find the best time to fit workouts into your schedule. I tried so hard to be a “morning workout” person, but it never stuck. Evenings didn’t work either – by 6 pm, all I wanted was to relax. So, I adjusted my work schedule to start earlier, making it easier to work out in the afternoon. I’m lucky to have that flexibility, but instead of forcing workouts into my routine, I made my routine work for me.
Next, figure out what kind of workouts you actually enjoy. Do you prefer the freedom of the gym, following an exercise app, or the structure of a class? Once you know what works for you, stick with it. Don’t force yourself into workouts you don’t like – it’ll only make consistency harder. For me, I realized I love taking classes. After trying everything from pilates to boxing to Orangetheory, I found that hot HIIT, pilates, and barre were the ones I kept coming back to.
Convenience is just as important. I stayed consistent because my studio offers multiple class times that fit my schedule – and it’s close to home, making it easy to show up. The last thing you want is a gym that’s too far away or always packed. That just adds another excuse to skip.
When your workouts fit seamlessly into your life, motivation comes easier. And once you build momentum, discipline kicks in. I reminded myself daily why I wanted to stay consistent, and that small mindset shift made all the difference.
Building Momentum: How Setting Small Goals Helped
My workouts started feeling less like a chore and more like a habit. As the weeks passed, I noticed both physical and mental changes – better energy, improved mood, healthier food choices, and a greater awareness of my overall well-being.
Before making these changes, I’d work 9+ hours straight without leaving the house, stuck in an unhealthy cycle that took a toll on my mental health. One of my goals was to work out 4-5 times a week, but I gave myself grace. If I missed a day, I adjusted rather than stressing over it. Learning to balance discipline with flexibility helped me stay on track instead of falling off like I used to. And every time I pushed through and worked out when I didn’t feel like it, I never regretted it – I always felt better afterward. You will never regret a good workout.
As I built discipline, I also learned how to hold myself accountable. Before, if I was overwhelmed with work, I’d skip my workout and stay inside, which only made me more miserable. Now, I take a break to exercise, come home to eat, relax, and then finish work. That shift has made a huge difference in my overall health.
Another game-changer? Setting goals based on strength and progress rather than just appearance. Instead of obsessing over physical changes, I focused on things like increasing my weights, improving endurance, or mastering a workout without modifications. These smaller, achievable goals kept me motivated and made consistency easier. And once I started seeing physical changes, that became an added bonus.
Discipline comes naturally when you’re not fixated on unrealistic expectations. Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins, and let your progress keep you going.
How 8 Weeks of Consistency Helped Me Make Fitness a Lifestyle
Fitness now feels like a natural part of my daily routine. I’ve learned how important it is to move my body, and I prioritize that. If I can’t make it to a workout class, I’ll find a way to move my body like going on a walk with my family.
I’ve heard it takes 21 days to form a habit and 90 days to make it a lifestyle. The biggest lesson from my journey? Be flexible with yourself, listen to your body, and set small weekly goals. It’s all about finding what works for you and tuning out the noise. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your lifestyle transform.
You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to keep showing up.
Products that Helped Me Along the Way
Sharing some of my favorite workout gear and health and wellness essentials that made this journey more enjoyable and rewarding.
