How to Create a Sustainable Workout Routine

Have you ever jumped head-first into a fitness routine only to get burnt out a couple of months later? Many people have an on-and-off relationship with their workout routines once they realize that the regimen they’ve chosen is unsustainable. With just a few simple strategies, you can create an effective, sustainable workout routine that will help you achieve your fitness goals.

Make Time to Exercise

As the saying goes, you make time for the things that matter. The truth is that many of us do have the time to workout, but instead fill that time with mindless activities such as scrolling on our phones. The best way to make exercise a habit is to schedule it into your day and honor that commitment. Write it down on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone and stick to your workout schedule for a few weeks to see how it works for you. Make notes for yourself to keep track of what worked and what didn’t, and adjust accordingly. With time, you’ll be able to build a workout routine that works best for your needs and lifestyle. Consistency is the key to reaching your goals, even if you start small with fifteen minute workouts and work your way up as your schedule allows.

Hold Yourself Accountable

With our busy modern lifestyles and so many distractions in our homes, it can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise. If you have small children at home or tend to fall down rabbit holes on TikTok and Netflix, you may want to consider joining a gym, fitness class, or working with a personal trainer to keep you motivated and accountable.

Make Workouts Enjoyable

Finding the motivation to workout regularly is hard enough, so following a fitness routine that you don’t enjoy only makes it that much harder. Finding activities and exercises that you enjoy is an essential step to creating a sustainable workout routine that you’re more likely to stick to long-term. 

Schedule Rest Days

Just as you should schedule your workouts, it’s equally important to schedule rest days as well. Trying to do high-intensity workouts every single day will put you on the fast track to injury and burnout. Rest days are crucial for achieving your goals, as this is when your body recovers and restores its glycogen stores to reduce muscle fatigue and prepare you for your next workout.

Don’t Do Too Much Too Soon

When you get a sudden burst of motivation, you may be tempted to overcommit yourself and do too much too soon. Not only does this put you at a higher risk of injury, but it can also quickly lead to burnout and disappointment if you’re unable to maintain your routine. Start slow and celebrate each milestone along the way to build your confidence and keep you motivated.

Creating time in your schedule for consistent workouts, finding ways to hold yourself accountable, finding workouts you enjoy, and including rest days will help you build a sustainable workout routine so you can crush your health and fitness goals!