10 Steps to Help You Consistently Make It to The Gym

Trying to stay consistent with a workout routine can feel impossible while juggling all of the other variables in your life. If you find it difficult to stay consistent with your workouts but still want to achieve your fitness goals, you're not alone. Between work, school, and just general life there are absolutely days where I still miss a planned workout. However, it can be done, and the benefits well outweigh the cons even if it isn't perfect. Here are ten practical strategies to help you make exercise a regular part of your life, boost your fitness, and enjoy the process along the way.

1. Set Realistic Goals

Start by setting achievable fitness goals. Instead of aiming for an ambitious target right away, focus on small, specific objectives. For example, commit to walking for 15 minutes a day or doing two workouts a week. Achieving these smaller goals can build your confidence and motivation. This can even be on your lunch break if you have a hard time getting it done at home.

2. Create a Schedule

Treat your workouts like important appointments. Block out time in your calendar for exercise, just as you would for a meeting or a family commitment. Having a set schedule can help you stay accountable and make it less likely to skip workouts. Personally, I set a recurring event in my calendar and have it alert me an hour before. Even if you don't feel up to it at the time, convince yourself to just go for 10 minutes. 9 times out of 10 I end up getting started and do the full workout and am grateful I did.

3. Make it Convenient

Choose a location for exercise that is convenient for you, whether that’s a nearby gym, a local park, or even your living room. Having easy access to a workout space reduces barriers and excuses, making it easier to get moving. If you are joining a gym, I highly recommend doing a test visit to see if you like the equipment and environment as well as gauging how busy it typically is at the time you would typically go.

4. Find Activities You Enjoy

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Explore different activities to find what you genuinely enjoy. Whether it's dancing, hiking, cycling, or yoga, engaging in something you love will make it easier to stick with it. While I have grown to love running and lifting, roller-skating was an excellent way to start since I enjoyed it and it improved my cardio abilities enough to start trying new exercises.

5. Buddy Up

Working out with a friend can make exercising more enjoyable and help keep you accountable. Having a workout buddy encourages you to show up and can turn exercise into a social activity rather than a solitary task. Make sure that this is someone with a similar schedule to you so that you are able to stay consistent and it doesn't become a reason to stop going.

6. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Fitness apps and wearable devices can help you track your progress and set reminders. Apps like MyFitnessPal, Strava, or Fitbit can motivate you by providing insights into your workouts and celebrating your achievements.

7. Incorporate Short Workouts

If you’re pressed for time, consider high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or other short, effective workouts. Many studies show that shorter bursts of exercise can be just as effective as longer sessions, making it easier to fit fitness into your day.

8. Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection

It's more important to be consistent than to have perfect workouts. If you miss a day or two, don’t get discouraged. Just pick up where you left off. Building a routine takes time, and the key is to keep coming back. Your workouts are exclusively for you, so treat them like an act of self-care, not a measure of self-worth. Your gym should become a place of safety and joy, not dread and self-deprecation.

9. Mix It Up

If you get bored of doing the same thing over and over again, variety can keep your workouts fresh and exciting. Try different types of exercise, such as strength training, cardio, yoga, or sports. Mixing things up prevents boredom and challenges your body in new ways, and you might find a new hobby that you absolutely love.

10. Reward Yourself

Set up a reward system for reaching milestones in your fitness journey. Treat yourself to something you enjoy—a massage, new workout gear, or a fun day out—when you hit a specific goal. Rewards can boost motivation and make the effort feel worthwhile. With that said, ensure that it is a bonus item, rather than punishing yourself if you don't achieve your goals. It is extremely hard to create sustainability in fitness if you fuel it from a place of negativity because your brain naturally will want to avoid the stress associated with the experience of working out.

Conclusion

Staying consistent with exercise doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. While challenging yourself is excellent, keep in mind that anything you do after getting yourself in the gym is technically extra. All that you have to do is keep showing up for yourself, and the rest will follow. By implementing these strategies, you can make fitness a more manageable and enjoyable part of your life. Remember that the journey to fitness is unique for everyone, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. With determination and a few adjustments, you can build a routine that leads to lasting health and well-being (and the stress relief is phenomenal).